He said the Ohio-based company “took seriously” critiques from last year’s bill and supports the new legislation “that substantially addresses” earlier concerns.Įven so, he doubled down that “there’s no compelling reason why a local government should put a pet store out of business when we have established the best standards of care for the animal from breeder to pet store.”Įlizabeth Kunzelman, Petland’s vice president of legislative and public affairs, also testified that the bill “is not about us - but it’s necessary.” Petland’s vice president of legislative and public affairs Elizabeth Kunzelman (Photo from Petland release) Indiana lobbyist Mark Shublak spoke in support of the bill on behalf of Petland, the nation’s largest chain of stores that sell puppies and other pets. Unlike the 2023 proposal, House Bill 1412 does not grandfather bans adopted earlier, though Baird said he would be open to pushing the effective date back to 2025. Another provision seeks to carve out a warranty guarantee for customers if a pet is unfit due to illness or disease.Įvoking last year’s bill, Baird’s measure would not allow cities and towns to ban the retail sale of pets, effective July 1, 2024. The bill additionally establishes mandatory disclosures for retail sales of dogs - including those relating to vaccinations, pedigree information, microchipping and details about the commercial dog breeder or broker, if that’s where the dog came from. “This proactive approach is crucial in identifying and addressing potential issues and violations, reinforcing our commitment to the humane treatment of animals,” Baird said. Starting July 1, 2025, commercial dog breeders, brokers and retail pet stores would be subject to random inspections by the BOAH. The measure would allow an HOA to regulate - but not prohibit - privately-owned honeybee hives. On Monday, the committee also unanimously advanced House Bill 1337, authored by Rep. Now this industry is asking for more.” Retail stores in supportĪmong the many provisions in Baird’s bill are those that require retail pet stores, animal care facilities and animal rescue operations to register with the Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH). “The puppy mill industry has fought to keep Hoosiers in the dark about the inhumane practices of the breeders who supply puppies to pet stores. “This bill moves our state in the wrong direction, harms consumers, harms dogs and would undermine local authority,” said Sana Azem, senior legislative director for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Midwest division. Instead, pet stores can only collaborate with animal care or rescue organizations to show adoptable pets.Ĭritics additionally said Baird’s measure lacks necessary funding and proper enforcement mechanisms, as well as language to guarantee hobby breeders must comply with utmost care standards. Ordinances in communities like Indianapolis, Crown Point, Carmel and Columbus prevent pet shops in those municipalities from selling dogs, and sometimes other animals, sourced from breeders and brokers. “House Bill 1412 is a proactive solution to address the root causes of the unethical breeding practices.”īut among the bill’s most debated provisions is one that voids local restrictions on the sale of dogs at retail pet stores. “By implementing statewide regulations, we not only safeguard the wellbeing of dogs, but we also prevent the emergence of puppy mills in our rural areas where animal shelters are already struggling to manage their capacity,” he said. He said, too, it ensures that pet stores can operate throughout the state. Beau Baird, R-Greencastle (Photo from Indiana House Republicans)īaird maintained it’s an “anti-puppy mill bill” that sets state regulations for dog sales and subjects pet stores to random inspections. The bill passed out of the House agriculture committee in a 9-4 party line vote, sending it to the full chamber. Up for debate is House Bill 1412, authored by Rep. Many who spoke out about the previous proposal returned to testify on Monday. Lawmakers said at the time they had too little time to address “too many issues” with the contentious legislation. It was a win for puppy breeders and a national pet store chain but went against the wishes of animal welfare advocates and numerous local officials.Ī similar bill failed to pass last year following an outcry. Tensions flared at the Statehouse on Monday as lawmakers revived - and advanced - a bill to block cities and towns from banning the retail sale of dogs.
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