Casey customer service manager Rob Colling said that at this stage it was not mandatory for dogs in Casey to be desexed, but owners who did have their pets desexed received a $26 discount on pet registration.

Mr Colling said the increase was in line with other councils and it was a way of promoting responsible pet ownership.

Cat desexing, however, is mandatory and Casey council will not register or renew the registration of a cat unless it is desexed.

This includes previously registered cats that have moved into Casey from another municipality.

Casey cat owners are entitled to the discounted pet registration rate. The pensioner rate is $13.

Since May 1 last year, newly registered dogs and cats in Casey must be microchipped.