It is the purpose of this chapter to encourage responsible pet ownership and to encourage the spaying or neutering of “companion animals” (pets) to minimize the unwanted or unplanned pet population, to provide for the humane care of all animals as outlined by 9 C.F.R. Part 3.1, 345 I.A.C. 14, I.C. 35-46-3, and to provide for the public welfare and safety under federal, state and local guidelines.