One Quick Snip, Still Waiting…
20th July 2010 11:05:41 AM
By Belinda Nolan
Still waiting …Caroline Springs animal activist Nathan Miles is frustrated by delays to Melton Council’s mandatory cat de-sexing policy. 50195
MELTON Council has promised to speed up mandatory cat de-sexing, after more than seven months of delays.
Animal activists have been clamouring for the new laws to be introduced amid fears the shire’s stray cat population is spiralling out of control.
Councillors had voted in December to establish a new local law that would make it compulsory for all newly registered cats to be de-sexed, in a bid to combat the cat problem.
But the initiative has remained on the drawing board following changes to the State Government’s Local Law guidelines.
Animal activist Nathan Miles has been a strong campaigner for mandatory de-sexing and says the delay is unacceptable.
The Caroline Springs resident said the initiative was vital to take control of the shire’s cats and further delays would only exacerbate the problem.
“When we won the campaign we had no idea it would take this long to implement,” Mr Miles said.
“I can understand why there has been a delay but I still don’t think it’s good enough.
“Mandatory de-sexing has to be enforced immediately.
“We’re heading towards breeding season and I’m concerned that if the law is not in place by then, the problem is just going to get worse.”
Caroline Springs Animal Welfare Association President Rana Hales said her organisation was also pushing for the laws to be fast-tracked.
“As far as we’re concerned this can’t wait any longer,” Ms Hales said.
“We fought hard for this and we want to see it happen sooner rather than later because we believe it will make a difference.
“There is a huge amount of stray cats in the area and breeding is getting out of control.”
Melton Mayor Justin Mammarella told Star the council was committed to mandatory de-sexing and would be presenting a draft local law at next week’s council meeting.
“There was some delay but we’re looking at bringing this issue forward as soon as possible,” Mr Mammarella said.
Mr Mammarella said the regulations would come into effect soon after the council approved the new laws.
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