The City of Port Adelaide Enfield, in collaboration with the Animal Welfare League (AWL) and with funding support from the Dog and Cat Management Board, has launched a ground-breaking pilot program for SA in Kilburn that aims to set the foundation for long-term, sustainable, cat management. Over the next two years, this program will provide free desexing, microchipping and vaccinations for up to 1,200 cats owned by eligible Kilburn residents. The initiative represents more than just a service for pet owners; it is the first step in a broader vision to improve cat welfare and reduce stray populations in South Australia.
Across South Australia, Councils, the Dog and Cat Management Board, and the State Government are working together to develop a solution that aims to provide consistency, clarity and compassionate solutions to the complex challenges posed by free-roaming and unowned cats.
The data, experiences and community feedback gathered from cat owners and non-cat owners in Kilburn will directly feed into the City of PAE’s broader planning process, helping shape future programs and policies that reflect both evidence and community values.
Why This Matters?
South Australia faces growing challenges with free roaming and unowned cats. Left unmanaged, cats can breed prolifically, with just one unsterilised female capable of producing dozens of kittens each year. These cats often go unclaimed, contributing to overpopulation in shelters, poor welfare outcomes, and increased pressure on the environment, particularly native wildlife. While education and enforcement are important tools, they haven’t been enough to reduce the number of stray and unwanted cats in communities. That’s why local governments and animal welfare organisations are now turning to more proactive, preventative solutions — and that’s where Kilburn comes in.
By the end of the two-year pilot program, we hope to:
- Reduce the number of stray and unwanted cats entering shelters
- Support residents in being responsible pet owners
- Improve the welfare and health of cats in Kilburn
- Develop a scalable model for other suburbs and councils
Why Kilburn?
Kilburn has one of the highest rates of cat intake at the Animal Welfare League’s shelter from the City of PAE, making it the ideal place to trial a new approach. By focusing on one suburb with clearly defined boundaries and strong community support, the City of PAE and its partners can closely monitor the outcomes and identify what works and what doesn’t. This pilot program allows council and its partners to test practical solutions, gather real-world data, and understand the lived experiences of residents. The results will play a crucial role in shaping future efforts across the entire Port Adelaide Enfield area.
About the Program: Free Desexing, Microchipping, and Vaccination
Eligible Kilburn residents with a concession, pension or seniors card can register to have up to two of their cats microchipped, vaccinated and desexed at no cost. Participants will also receive support materials on how to keep their cats safely contained at home, which is a key principle of responsible pet ownership that protects both cats and wildlife. The pilot will also provide valuable insights into community attitudes toward cat ownership and management. Residents, including those without cats, are encouraged to provide feedback through the council’s online survey platform.
Kilburn residents who meet the eligibility criteria and wish to participate in the free cat desexing program can register online
If you live in Kilburn, to share your views on cat management in Kilburn, whether you own a cat or not, visit Participate PAE.