INDIANAPOLIS - A bill for more inspections and regulations for pet stores, commercial dog breeders/brokers and some animal rescue operations were approved by senators on Monday, February 12.

Indiana Rep. Beau Baird, R-Greencastle and other local elected officials objected to a provision of the bill that would usurp local control.

“I know you’ll probably hear that House Bill 1412 could inadvertently lead to the creation of puppy mills. However, it is essential to clarify that this bill is, in fact, anti-puppy mill,” Baird said.

“What this bill is attempting to do is reset state standards.”

The bill would void ordinances in 21 communities across the state that ban stores from selling pets from breeders.

Baird said he authored the bill to raise the standard of care and combat unethical breeding practices.

Lori Wilson, the vice president of sales with Uncle Bill’s Pet Centers, said the bill “will make Indiana the best place to get a convenient animal of your choice with healthy genetics.”

“If anyone is against House Bill 1412, one should ask why. Why would anyone be against regulations and standards to raise quality puppies people are looking for?” Wilson said.

“Taking away regulated business and pushing consumers to a black market to get a puppy makes no sense.”

John Troyer, an Amish puppy breeder in Topeka, Indiana, said “generations before us deserved that (puppy mill) label because they didn’t do it right,” but he intends to change that reputation.

He said he’s received death threats for reporting his fellow Amish community members for animal care violations.

“I’m dedicated to changing animal welfare,” Troyer said. “I encourage you to vote ‘yes’ because we are the ones that deal with those bad actors behind the scenes and this will help us get rid of them.”

Quotes from Indiana Capital Chronicle

Visit Indiana Capital Chronicle for more information on Bill 1412.