A nationwide cat vaccine shortage has forced Wyndham council pause its cat trapping service.
From Tuesday November 21, cat trapping services will no longer be performed or offered in Wyndham in order to reduce the number of cats taken to the council owned pound and the
service provider, The Lost Dogs Home, and to reduce the potential exposure to disease in
shared spaces.
The Lost Dogs Home is experiencing a shortage of cat vaccines due to international production issues that are not expected to be resolved until February next year.
Council plans to resume its cat trapping services as soon as more vaccines are
readily available.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera, said that council would work
closely with The Lost Dogs Home to monitor the situation and encouraged residents to consider alternative options before surrendering healthy cats.
“This may include speaking to your local veterinary practice regarding veterinary costs, seeking support from friends or family members, or contacting welfare agencies if you are struggling to meet the costs of pet food,” Cr Barrera said.
“Should a cat need to be surrendered, residents are encouraged to supply any
available vaccination documentation for their cat when delivering it to a shelter so it
can be processed quickly and to mitigate duplicate vaccination.
Keeping cats indoors and desexing them are ways in which residents can help
during this critical time.”
