Cabinet has approved an additional €25,000 for an annual cat neutering programme, bringing this year’s budget to a total of €100,000, the press and information office said on Thursday.

The cat neutering scheme is offered under the agriculture ministry’s animal protection and welfare policy. It is open to municipal and local councils and registered animal welfare organisations who must apply to the vet services for grants to fund cat neutering programmes.

“Taking into consideration the positive results that the programme delivers every year and the keen interest for participation, the Council of Ministers approved a proposal by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, with which it approved the implementation of the scheme for the current year, with an increase in the amount to be made available from €75,000 to €100,000,” the announcement said.

The veterinary services will be launching the programme in the next few days, giving information for the expression of interest.