Evansville, IN Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 2nd+ impound-and-reclaim of same animal
- Deadline
- Arrange within 24 hours of reclaim
- Cost
- Borne by the owner
- Breeder rule
- Max 1 litter/female per year
Summary
Evansville does not mandate spay/neuter for all pets, but requires it once an animal has been impounded stray or at large and reclaimed a second time, at the owner's expense.
An animal that has been previously impounded stray or at large and is now redeemed for the second or subsequent redemption will be required to be spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense. Arrangements to perform the procedure must be made within 24 hours of reclaim and enforcement action pending spay/neuter will be issued at the time of reclaim.
(K) Any dog or cat reclaimed from Evansville Animal Care and Control must be microchipped prior to the owner taking possession of the dog or cat.
(L) Notwithstanding any provision within this chapter, Animal Care and Control may refuse an adoption to any person if: (1) there exists a violation of this chapter, or (2) the person has committed an act in any state within the last two years which would constitute a violation of IC 35-46-3 or this chapter. A conviction in a court shall constitute a violation. The commission shall determine if the findings of a court of another state constitute a violation of IC 35-46-3. Such person shall cooperate in determining whether a violation occurred. [Ord. G-2026-5 § 7, passed 3-16-26; Ord. G-2025-13, passed 6-25-25; Ord. G-2019-14 § 3, passed 11-14-19; Ord. G-2016-17, passed 4-28-16; Ord. G-2018-7, passed 3-14-18. 1983 Code § 9.90.22.]
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
EMC 6.05.130(J) provides that an animal previously impounded as a stray or at large, and now being redeemed for the second or subsequent time, must be spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense, with arrangements made within 24 hours of reclaim. Separately, a major breeder permit holder must not allow a female dog or cat to birth more than one litter per year and, for a first-litter fine waiver, must have the female altered within 10 weeks of the birth (EMC 6.05.030(B)(5)). This is a conditional, repeat-offense mandate, not a citywide spay/neuter requirement for all pets.
Violations & Fines
Failure to arrange the required spay/neuter within 24 hours of a second or subsequent reclaim triggers enforcement action issued at the time of reclaim under EMC 6.05.130(J).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Evansville require all pets to be spayed or neutered?
Who pays for the mandatory spay/neuter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
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