A Mansfield woman is embroiled in a dispute with an animal rescue group over the age at which a puppy is old enough to be neutered.

Lou Ann Michel has an 11-week-old Collie mix in foster care.

The rescue group wants the puppy back, so he can be neutered and adopted out.

Michel says Shiloh is too young for surgery and refuses to return him.  

She says neutering should wait until the dog is at least five to six months old.

Veterinarian Laurie Hickox says studies are inconclusive about the appropriate age for spaying or neutering a dog, but she prefers to wait.

Potential health effects of early neutering include bone problems and disoriented behavior. 

Lou Ann Michel has not heard back from the rescue group in the two weeks since she refused to return Shiloh, so she hopes to keep him until he's old enough to be safely neutered and adopted out.