The RSPCA has launched a campaign to de-sex your pets.

Operation Wanted will see vets across the State lower their fees to stop an alarming spread of feral cats and dogs.

Toby Crockford reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Operation Wanted aims to tackle the problem of pet overpopulation in Queensland and stop the increase of feral animals.

With almost 200 vets already signed up for the project, the RSPCA hopes to de-sex more than 60,000 animals in the next few months.

Mark Townend, RSPCA Queensland: “We need to make sure pets are great but they need to be de-sexed. This is the way to do it and save some money at the same time.”

The State Government is playing its part, saying Australia’s native wildlife is too often falling prey to feral cats and dogs.

Dr. Steven Miles, Minister for Environment: “As you can see, our pet cats and dogs are super cute, but so are the native wildlife.”

For Operation Wanted to have maximum effect, the RSPCA needs more Brisbane vets to join.

De-sexing pets also helps ease the strain on animal shelters.

Mandy Paterson, RSPCA: “There are too many animals born from unplanned pregnancies and there’s not enough homes for all the animals that are born.”

De-sexing pets has many advantages, including reducing unwanted litters and some cancers.

If this little kitten isn’t de-sexed, she and her offspring could be responsible for over 1,000 cats in just five years.

So the message is simple, do your bit and de-sex your pet.

Toby Crockford, QUT News.