The Fraser Coast Regional Council in southern Queensland is introducing the state's strictest laws around desexing pet dogs and cats.

From May 1 all dogs and cats sold, given away, or newly registered in the Fraser Coast council area, must be neutered or come with a voucher to cover the cost of the procedure.

If the animal is still whole, the new owner may be issued with a compliance order to have it desexed within 28 days or face a fine.

"We feel it's a fair and responsible thing to do," Fraser Coast deputy mayor Robert Garland said.

"Animals can't help it, and they deserve better — there are just too many unwanted pets."

Cr Garland said four years ago the council impounded more than 2,000 animals, and euthanased about 700.

Those figures have now dropped to about 1,500 animals impounded annually, and 300 put down.

Cr Garland attributed the reduction to the council's work enforcing the neutering of cats, and growing community awareness of desexing and animal welfare.

"We have a significant number of cats and dogs — about half the population has a pet — so I don't think it's unreasonable to have some form of management to it," Cr Garland said.

RSPCA calls for state-wide implementation

RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty hailed the decision, calling on other councils to follow the Fraser Coast's lead.

"It's leading from the front and solving the problem, at least partially, before it becomes a problem," Mr Beatty said.

"We'd like to see every single council in Queensland do exactly the same thing. I'm sure I speak for other states' RSPCAs in saying they'd like their councils to do that as well.

"So many animals end up in pounds and RSPCA shelters every year, and probably the main reason for that is people simply haven't had their animals desexed."

Mr Beatty said for owners struggling to afford to have their animals neutered, the RSPCA's Operation Wanted program provided discounted desexing in locations across Queensland, including the Fraser Coast.

The council is also rewarding owners for getting their pets neutered: unregistered animals desexed before the end of April can be registered for free.

The new laws come into effect in the Fraser Coast council area, which includes Hervey Bay and Maryborough, on May 1.

Animals can still be registered with the council before May 1 and have higher registration fees: $118 for a whole dog, versus $57 for a neutered dog.

Legitimate breeding operations on the Fraser Coast will continue, with breeding permits available through the council for $100.