The City Attorney introduced Ordinance 2025-15 (first reading waived) on Dec. 2, which would amend Selma Municipal Code §6.2.26 to require that dogs and cats older than four months be spayed or neutered unless the owner obtains an unaltered-animal license.

The attorney explained the ordinance is designed to incentivize spay/neuter through licensing and fee structures because a direct mandate to alter privately owned animals raises constitutional takings concerns. He recommended setting license fees at or near the local market cost to have an animal altered (he cited roughly $250 as an illustrative figure) and suggested violation fines tied to litter size as a deterrent.

The ordinance includes exceptions and processes for state-licensed breeders and pet businesses that operate under state regulation. The city plans a public hearing at the first council meeting in January to consider the ordinance and a follow-up resolution setting fees.

What’s next: Staff will publish the ordinance for the required notice period and hold a public hearing in January where the council can consider fee amounts, enforcement details and any amendments.