It's hip to snip: Free* dog desexing this February

Cook Shire Council is offering free desexing of male dogs to residents with healthcare cards or pensioner concessions from 26 until 28 February 2024.

Pictured (above): Visiting vet Dr Justin Little pictured with some of the clients he's worked with in other regional and remote communities.

Extending on the success of last year’s desexing program for female dogs that saw the procedure performed on 16 animals, Councils Animal Management team are this time offering the service for male dogs by promoting that “it’s hip to snip.”

Animal Management was a key concern identified in the 2023 Community Scorecard Survey results. The “It’s hip to snip” initiative aims to prevent unwanted litters by promoting responsible pet ownership and reducing the reliance on traditional costly strategies such as collecting, holding, rehoming and, in extreme cases, euthanising pets.

“With no vet in Cooktown, we acknowledge that the cost of travel combined with vet fees often poses significant financial barriers for pet owners on low incomes. We’ve identified that by helping these pet owners, we are helping make our community safer for all our residents – including our four-legged friends” said Cook Shire Mayor, Peter Scott.

Mayor Peter Scott also emphasises the importance of desexing in not only saving costs but also in contributing to the easier management of dogs: “This proactive approach helps prevent dogs from roaming, fighting, and producing unwanted litters, ultimately reducing nuisance issues and increasing compliance with local and state laws.”

Visiting Mareeba Veterinarian, Dr Justin Little of Central Veterinary Surgery will be performing the procedures. Places are strictly limited and bookings are essential.

Residents are encouraged to call Council's Compliance Officer, Kylie McAllister on 4082 0500 to secure a spot for their furry friends in this valuable program.

* Terms & Conditions apply

• Male dogs only.
• Applicants must be Cook Shire residents with a healthcare card or pensioner concession card.
• Dogs must be microchipped and registered with Cook Shire Council
• Places are strictly limited.
• Bookings are essential.

For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.

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