Humane Society Advisory Council Tabs Amy Summerfield

Amy Summerfield has been appointed to the Advisory Council of the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC), continuing her long-standing commitment to animal welfare and public safety in the community.

The Humane Society for Hamilton County’s Advisory Council is comprised of subject matter experts and community leaders who are dedicated to the organization’s mission of saving lives, educating communities and completing families.

The council was Initially formed to support the organization’s goal to build a state-of-the-art facility at their current location in Fishers at 106th and Hague Road. The council was also instrumental in helping organization raise the $12.5 million required to successfully complete the project.

“In just under five years, we officially paid off the loan for this facility in January,” said Rebecca Stevens, president and CEO of HSHC. “Now it’s time to tap both current and new Advisory Council members to help us achieve new goals, new dreams, and navigate today’s incredibly challenging landscape of animal welfare,” Stevens added. “Amy has been an animal welfare warrior behind the scenes for many years, so we couldn’t think of anyone better to offer counsel on the growing number legal and jurisdictional questions that impact HSHC and the animals we serve.”

Summerfield’s collaboration with the Humane Society began during her time as Deputy Prosecutor, where she worked with HSHC staff and local law enforcement to strengthen investigations, and ultimately prosecute, serious crimes involving animal cruelty and neglect. Through that collaboration, Summerfield helped improve coordination between agencies and supported more effective case outcomes for vulnerable animals.

After transitioning to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office as Legal Advisor, Summerfield continued her work in animal welfare policy. She played a key role in the comprehensive rewrite of Hamilton County’s animal ordinances, which were ultimately adopted countywide as well as by all four major cities within Hamilton County. These updates modernized enforcement tools, clarified standards of care, and strengthened protections for animals while ensuring consistency across jurisdictions.

In her current role, Summerfield continues to work with HSHC and law enforcement agencies on training initiatives, supporting best practices in investigation, enforcement, and prosecution of animal-related offenses.

“I’ve seen firsthand how critical collaboration is when it comes to protecting animals and supporting the professionals who serve them,” Summerfield said. “This appointment is truly an honor as advocating for the most at-risk animals imaginable has always been a personal and professional priority for me.”