Westfield, IN Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Section 10-22 makes sterilization the default rule for dogs and cats in Westfield. Subsection (a) requires every dog and cat over six months old kept in the city to be spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian, with five narrow exceptions: the owner has secured a free breeder's permit; the pet already receives adequate care, shelter and veterinary care as the chapter defines them; a veterinarian certifies that the animal's health or a medical condition makes surgery risky; the owner is an approved breeder or holds a special use permit from the Hamilton County Zoning Board; or the owner has never surrendered an animal to the Humane Society for Hamilton County or let one run at large.

Subsection (b) requires anyone who intentionally breeds, or whose pet accidentally breeds, a dog or cat, any approved breeder establishment, or anyone keeping an unsterilized dog or cat over six months for any other reason, to obtain the free permit. Subsection (c) lets the permit run for 12 months, or for the pet's life with a veterinarian's letter documenting a medical risk, and requires the permit holder to report each litter's birth to the animal control division for a registration number. Subsection (d) requires permit holders to pass the litter number to buyers, vaccinate every animal offered for sale or giveaway against core canine or feline diseases, withhold puppies and kittens under eight weeks from sale, and provide at least a one-week health warrant recommending veterinary examination.

Subsection (e) makes the permit free and annual, issued by the Hamilton County division of animal control or the Sheriff's Office. Subsection (f) requires registering each additional litter under the same rules, and failing to register a litter is punished by a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $2,500.00.