INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a controversial bill this week that would regulate the retail sale of dogs and create stricter standards for retail pet stores and other animal shelters.
Holcomb signed House Bill 1412, also known as the “Canine Standards of Care” bill, into law on Monday. The bill was written to overturn 21 local ordinances across the state that prohibit the sale of dogs in retail pet stores. The bill was authored by state Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle).
In addition to repealing these ordinances, the bill would create an inspection program for commercial dog breeders, commercial dog brokers, and retail pet stores, scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2025.
Pet retailers, animal shelters, animal rescue operations and breeders would also be required to register with the state Animal Health Board, according to the latest version of the bill. These entities will be required to register with SBOAH to avoid paying fines and comply with the new warrant and process disclosure procedures.
“Establishes regulations for the retail sale of dogs. Requires retail pet shops, animal shelters, and animal rescue operations to register with the Animal Health Commission. Mandatory disclosure for retail pet shops selling dogs.” and establish a guarantee,” the bill reads in part. “Establishes an unannounced inspection program for commercial dog breeders, commercial dog brokers, and retail pet stores beginning July 1, 2025. Repeals local ordinances prohibiting the sale of dogs in retail pet stores.”
Supporters of the bill say it would increase liability for pet stores and potentially subject them to steep fines if they fail to comply with outlined testing requirements and new husbandry standards.
Meanwhile, critics say the bill would allow pet stores to continue encouraging puppy mill breeding by selling pets received from certified breeders and eliminating local oversight of animal shelters and retail pet stores. claims it can be done.
“Ninety-nine percent of the dogs supplied to pet stores come from puppy mills,” said Samantha Chapman, Indiana state director for the Humane Society of the United States, speaking on the issue last month.
The full bill can be viewed here.
The Indiana Senate passed House Bill 1412 on third reading on February 19th by a vote of 31-18. The bill passed the final vote in the Indiana House of Representatives on February 22, 53-34.
Gov. Holcomb signed two other bills Monday, including the Insurance and Death Certificate Transfer Act and the Breast Cancer Early Detection Screening Act. Holcomb also signed the controversial wetlands bill into law on February 12th.
