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Pet shops and puppy mills fuel the companion animal overpopulation crisis by bringing more animals into a world that is already bursting at the seams with unwanted ones. Every newborn puppy or kitten means one home fewer for a dog or cat awaiting adoption in an animal shelter or roaming the streets. Animals in pet stores typically come from massive mills, where they are warehoused in filthy, crowded conditions and often go without socialization, adequate exercise, and even basic veterinary care.
A new lifesaving bill could help break this cycle of abuse. But it’s in danger of dying if it’s not scheduled for a hearing by Indiana’s House Committee on Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development.
If passed, the bill would do the following:
- Prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats from puppy mills and commercial breeders.
- Permit pet stores only to facilitate the adoption of animals from animal shelters, rescue operations, and animal care and control agencies.
- Require retail stores to maintain certain records for at least one year and post the name and address of the location where the animal was obtained on each animal’s cage.
- Make it a Class C infraction if a retail pet store violates these provisions.
Please see House Bill 1142 for more details.
In order for this bill to move forward, the committee must schedule it for a hearing. Please contact your state representative today and ask them to schedule HB 1142.