Indiana: AKC Supports Bill Requiring Health Certificates for Importation of Foreign Dogs

March 19, 2019

The Indiana House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee is considering a bill on Thursday, March 21, that would require any dog or cat being imported from a foreign country into Indiana be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection or health certificate.

Senate Bill 533 would require that any person who transfers a dog or cat from a foreign country into Indiana provide both the recipient and the Indiana Board of Animal Health with a copy of the animal’s certificate of veterinary inspection or official health certificate within 30 days of the person receiving the dog in Indiana. Federal law currently requires import and health certificates; however, the State of Indiana does not.

The sponsor, former registered nurse Senator Jean Leising, introduced Senate Bill 533 out of her concern for dogs or cats from foreign countries potentially bringing diseases into the state that could harm people and/or animals.

AKC supports this bill, which recognizes this significant concern and aims to protect the health of animals and the residents of Indiana.  The bill has already unanimously passed the Senate.

How You Can Get Involved:

Those who wish to comment on this bill may do the following:

• Attend the committee meeting: 

  Indiana House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee
  Thursday, March 21, 2019
  8:30 am
  Indiana State Capitol, Room 156-A
  200 W. Washington Street
  Indianapolis, IN
  

• Contact the Indiana House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee prior to its committee meeting:
  
  Don Lehe, Chair
  Email Form (Select the Representative’s name from the drop down menu)Rep. Steve Bartels, Vice Chair
  Email Form (Select the Representative’s name from the drop down menu)

  Rep. Beau Baird
  Email Form (Select the Representative’s name from the drop down menu)

  Rep. Brad Barrett
  Email Form (Select the Representative’s name from the drop down menu)

  Rep. Doug Gutwein
  Email Form (Select the Representative’s name from the drop down menu)

  Rep. Dave Heine
  Email Form  (Select the Representative’s name from the drop down menu)

  Rep. Ethan Manning
  Email Form (Select the Representative’s name from the drop down menu)

  Rep. J.D. Prescott
  Email Form (Select the Representative’s name from the drop down menu)

  Rep. Christy Stutzman
  Email Form (Select the Representative’s name from the drop down menu)

  Rep. Melanie Wright
  Email Form

  Rep. Ross Deal
  Email Form

  Rep. Terry Goodin
  Email Form

  Rep. Justin Moed
  Email Form

AKC Government Relations will continue to monitor this legislation.  For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.