Councillor objects to $5,000 RSPCA pet desexing program donation

A Central Qld councillor was like a dog with a bone with questions about funding for an RSPCA pet desexing program.

Story on the impending kitten season and the importance of desexing your moggy. The RSPCA ‘S annual de-sexing program begins June 1.

Rockhampton Councillor Edward Oram was so impressed by the Queensland RSPCA’s recent $52m revenue raising efforts he decided it didn’t need another $5,000 from Rockhampton to help fund an annual pet desexing program.

At a council meeting earlier this month Cr Oram questioned the need for council to donate to a not-for-profit charity that managed more than $50m revenue in 2022/23.

“RSPCA posted $52.7 million revenue,” he said during debate over a motion to donate to the statewide program.

“I just wonder if they need our $5,000 to achieve their goals?”

Edward Oram, Division 4 Councillor for Rockhampton Regional Council.

Cr Grant Mather said the Operation Wanted desexing program delivered enormous dividends to the region.

“If we look at paying RSPCA $5,000 for this donation compared to just one or two litters (of kittens) being dropped off at the animal management centre, the amount of cost to keep those animals here, feed them, maintain them, veterinarian bills, and then all the work that goes into actually rehoming them, this will pay for itself tenfold,” he said.

“I think it’s a good program.”

Kittens recently up for adoption at the RSPCA. Picture: Nicki Connolly

A council officer said Rockhampton Region owners would receive a 20 per cent discount when desexing their animals at the two participating vets which runs each year from June 1 to 31 August 31.

He said last year’s Operation Wanted program in Rockhampton saw 172 dogs and 38 cats desexed for a total of 210 pets.

The program is in its 11th year.

When put to the vote, Cr Oram was the only councillor not to support the $5,000 donation.

Further to the RSPCA 2022/23 report, that year included a $1.1m deficit despite the $52.7m in revenue.

In 2023/24 the RSPCA delivered $63.8m in revenue.

“This came from 17 per cent growth in donations, 16 per cent growth from our social enterprises and another incredible year of

lasting generosity and immense kindness with 39.8 per cent of our income coming from those who have left a gift in their will,” its treasurer said.

“Our expenses were $60.2m although cash out was greater than this as we completed a proactive governance review of our payroll systems, identifying historical challenges with some awards requiring a back payment to staff dating back to February 2017.”

Originally published as Councillor objects to $5,000 RSPCA pet desexing program donation