Signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb signed three bills into law Monday, including a bill several years in the making that repeals 21 local ordinances that limit pet sales.
House Enrolled Act 1412 also establishes standards of care for dog breeders and pet stores.
Holcomb released a statement saying “A lot of collaborative work has gone into this bill since last session that addresses many of my original concerns. HB 1412 puts in place protections and provides much-needed transparency about on the sale of dogs in Indiana. By signing this bill into law, pet stores, breeding facilities and animal rescue operations will be required to register with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health while the pet stores are also required to maintain records of each dog purchased. The new regulations will ensure responsible breeding practices and improve animal care and safety in our communities.”
Described by Sen. House sponsor Blake Doriot, R-Goshen, billed the proposal as a proposal to establish some of the “strictest standards in the country” for retail stores and breeders, who must register with the State Board of Animal Health and follow Purdue University’s Certified Dog Grooming Program.
Critics say the measure, which failed last year, removes local control and protects so-called puppy mills at the expense of overcrowded animal shelters. And there is no state funding to support state inspections.
Local governments in various communities have passed ordinances that say pet stores can’t sell puppies from breeding operations as a way to limit puppy mills.
The final vote in the House is near — 53-34.
Holcomb also signed two other bills:
GET MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
