Council encourages de-sexing by offering discounts on registration fees for neutered and spayed dogs.
How to Qualify
To apply for the reduced fee you must provide written proof of de-sexing along with your registration form. Without proof from your veterinarian the entire dog fee will be charged.
Advantages of De-sexing your Dog
Surgical sterilisation is a permanent, safe and hassle free method of suppressing the urges to mate or fight. It allows other things to become more important such as obedience, retrieving, hunting or just plain having fun.
Statistics have shown that de-sexed animals are less susceptible to disease, live longer and fit into society better. The nature of a de-sexed dog does not change at all, but it can improve bonding between you and your pet.
For Male Dogs
De-sexing alters certain male behaviours but the changes are good. Most neutered males:
• Don't feel the need to urine-mark their territories
• Have less of a wandering urge
• Are less aggressive without losing guarding ability or natural inquisitiveness
For Female Dogs (Bitches)
De-sexing your bitch will not change her nature and it will prevent unwanted pregnancies. Contrary to popular opinion, she doesn't need to have a litter of puppies first.
If de-sexing is done early, the chances of mammary cancer developing are reduced.
The longer bitches are left entire, the more susceptible they become to contracting uterus infections, which can be fatal.
There are drugs you can use to stop bitches coming into season (available from your vet) but they need to be repeated every 6-7 months and a small proportion of animals develop side effects. This method is also more expensive in the long run.
Application for Financial Assistance
The Humane Society of New Zealand Inc administers a Spay and Neuter assistance fund whereby people who wish to de-sex their pets but are having difficulty with the cost can apply for assistance.
Below is a link to their website where you can download the Financial Assistance Application form, fill it out and either post or email it back.
