Inverell Shire Council took to Facebook to inform residents of a new permit being introduced by the state government for non-desexed cats and restricted and dangerous dogs.
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According to the post, from July 1 owners of cats not desexed by four months of age will be required to pay an $80 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.
"This will create a stronger incentive to desex cats, which in turn will improve their health and wellbeing," the post read.
However, there will be exemptions in place for cats registered by July 1, those kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies and cats which cannot be de-sexed for medical reasons.
Dog owners of a restricted breed or formally declared to be dangerous will also be required to pay a $195 annual permit.
"This will serve as a further disincentive to owning high-risk dogs and encourage owners to better manage the behaviour of their animal."
A NSW Pet Registry website will allow these animal owners to pay for the annual permits online. The cost can also be paid for in person at Inverell Shire Council.
Anyone registering a cat on the NSW Pet Registry will be informed that they must pay for an $80 annual permit if their animal is not desexed by four months of age.
Read more about the new animal permits here.
