Republicans approve House bill overturning local ordinances prohibiting pet store dog sales
Indiana Republicans have given the green light to House Bill 1412 (HB 1412), aiming to prohibit local governments from restricting the sale of dogs in pet stores. The bill, approved in a House committee on Monday, seeks to eliminate nearly twenty local ordinances across the state that currently hinder dog sales at local pet stores.
HB 1412 introduces fresh regulations for pet stores, mandating their registration with the state. Moreover, it imposes specific criteria on the origin of dogs sold in these stores. According to the bill, pet stores can only source dogs from breeders and brokers who adhere to a canine care certification program developed by Purdue University. Exceptions include those meeting federal rules and “hobby breeders” with fewer than 20 female dogs.
Lori Wilson, CEO of Uncle Bill’s Pet Centers, advocates for the bill, emphasizing its role in ensuring statewide animal safety. Wilson contends that local ordinances restricting pet stores from selling dogs should not be permitted under this new system.