Dozens of people thought it was the cat's whiskers to be able to keep their pets healthy and safe for free at an animal health event.
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The city's annual microchipping and vaccination day was held at the Youthie, drawing a steady stream of responsible pet owners.
The service has become a yearly one, the council, the pound, TAFE New England's animal care section, RSPCA NSW staff and local volunteers pitching in yesterday to make it happen.
According to rough RSPCA figures, 154 dogs and 100 cats were vaccinated; and council records show 118 dogs and 59 cats were microchipped.
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"Despite the cold, it was one of our biggest days since we started running the program," Tamworth Regional Council regulatory services manager Ross Briggs said.
The council held the day "to provide pet owners the opportunity to protect their pets".
"It is the responsibility of a pet owner to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of their animals, but we understand that some owners simply can't afford this level of care," Mr Briggs said.
Microchipping was done free for all pet owners; vaccinations were free for those on a government benefit or pension.
Tamworth RSPCA branch secretary Brian Pierce said the volunteers were also there "pushing the desexing barrow": the branch helps people with the cost of getting their cat or dog "fixed".
He said the aim was to reduce the number of unwanted litters, still a serious problem despite growing awareness of the musts of responsible animal ownership.
"People will say on Facebook, 'I'm looking for a kitten' and all of a sudden they get four, five people saying, 'I've got one', 'I've got one', 'How many do you want?'"
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
