City of Frankston in Victoria has decided to introduce compulsory desexing for all dogs and cats with registered breeders excepted.  While the City of Frankston's intent is to be applauded, evidence from other jurisdictions in Australia suggests that using compulsory desexing as a tool to reduce shelter animal euthanasia is unlikely to be effective.

The number of stray non-owned cats entering shelters can be very high, which might explain why targeting owned animals with mandatory desexing has failed to reduce euthanasia.

Dogs, on the other had, are typically in shelters because of a failed dog-owner relationship - poor behaviour, aggression, or change in owner circumstances

The current evidence suggests that programs which target stray cats and address animal behaviour needs are likely to prove more effective.  These programs require community education, and sustained efforts by state and local governments, veterinarians, animal welfare organisations and researchers.  One example of such a program is the Victorian Government's  "Who's for Cats" campaign

Recommended Reading:

• Mandatory_Desexing_in_the_ACT_Cats.pdf (1.05 MB)
• Cat Admission to Melbourne Shelters Final Report.pdf (361.56 KB)