Indiana pet retailers to sell animals in-store again

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed earlier this week a bill repealing 21 local ordinances from last year prohibiting the sales of companion animals to shrink the demand from puppy mills.

The regulation H.B. 1412, which was recently passed by lawmakers, prohibits cities and towns from banning the retail sale of pets from 1 July 2024. 

Under the new law, retail pet stores operating in the state must register with the Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH). Random inspections for commercial dog breeders, brokers and retail pet stores will begin from 1 July 2025.

More details

Retailers will also have to disclose details about vaccinations, pedigree information and microchipping details. 

A “canine care certified” accreditation for commercial breeders will be required to show transparency in their sales pipeline if needed—the certification follows Purdue University’s guidelines for animal care standards.

Retailers may also have to produce a warranty or guarantee for customers if the pet is unfit due to illness or disease.

The support

The initiative, known as the “anti-puppy-mill bill,” has garnered support from puppy breeders and large pet store chains like Petland. 

City councils, regulatory bodies and welfare advocates all largely favor the existing ban because of its ability to do away with problems of regulating individual pet stores when there are already challenges when it comes to enforcing more inclusive guidelines. 

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) urged Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to veto this harmful bill.

“Humane organizations are unified in our opposition to this bill, and we urge Governor Holcomb to veto H.B. 1412 to preserve critical local protections for animals and our communities,” the ASPCA says.