St. Charles County, MO Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Once the Department Director declares a dog dangerous under Section 205.142 and decides it can go home rather than be rehomed or euthanized, Section 205.145(B) requires the owner to sign a written agreement or comply with a written order containing ten specific terms. Item 10 is the fixing requirement: "All dangerous dogs must be spayed or neutered unless a duly licensed veterinarian provides a statement in writing that such procedure is not in the best interest of the dog." It sits alongside nine other mandatory conditions: a collar reading "Dangerous Dog"; immediate notice to the Division if the dog goes loose, missing, attacks, or dies; Division Director approval before any sale or transfer; confinement in a securely locked pen at least five feet by ten feet with sides buried twelve inches into the ground; a posted warning sign at every entrance and on the enclosure; muzzling and a leash no longer than four feet whenever the dog leaves the property; and proof of at least $300,000.00 in continuous liability insurance or a surety bond for as long as the dog lives in the county.

An owner who disputes the dangerous-dog finding can request a hearing within five days of notice under Section 205.145(D); a licensed-attorney hearing examiner must convene within twenty-one days, and the losing party can seek circuit court review under RSMo Section 536.110.