The Indiana House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee is considering a positive bill tomorrow (Tuesday, February 25) that will hold those accountable who sell dogs in Indiana, and also provide protections for Indiana residents buying a dog in the state.
Senate Bill 185 includes many provisions, including:
- Prohibiting the sale of dogs or cats under eight weeks of age.
- Requiring that dogs be sold with appropriate vaccinations, including rabies. AKC Government Relations and several local breeders and dog clubs are requesting a clarifying amendment: It should be noted that rabies vaccinations are not recommended before a puppy reaches 12 weeks of age, yet puppies may be sold at 8 weeks age. While we appreciate that the bill allows for a waiver if a veterinarian determines the vaccination is not appropriate, we are unclear if sellers are to provide documentation from their veterinarian with every sale, or how this is to be determined. Instead, we recommend that sellers provide customers with a recommendation to consult with their veterinarian on appropriate ongoing care for the dog, including vaccinations.
- Determines that an animal is “unfit for sale” when the animal has an illness or injury that was present at the time of sale and provides written documentation from a veterinarian within 15 days for an illness or injury, or within 60 days if the animal has a congenital or hereditary defect that was present at the time of sale and requires hospitalization or nonelective surgery. This would not apply if the illness was disclosed by the seller at the time of sale.
- Provides recourse to consumers if an animal is determined to be unfit for sale. The consumer may receive a new animal of the same value, a refund, or reimbursement of veterinary fees up to the purchase price of the animal.
- Exempts animal shelters, research facilities, and other governmental entities operating animal impoundment facilities. However, all other sellers (including breeders and rescues), would be included under the bill.
What You Can Do:
Indiana breeders and dog clubs are encouraged to express your support for Senate Bill 185 and request a clarifying amendment regarding vaccinations in one of the following ways:
Attend the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee meeting.
House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Hearing
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
10:30 am
Indiana State Capitol, Room 156-B
Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact the House sponsors:
Rep. Sharon Negele
Phone: (317) 232-9816
Email: h13@iga.in.gov
Rep. Sheila Klinker
Phone: (317) 232-9875
Email: h27@iga.in.gov
Contact the members of the committee prior to Tuesday’s hearing:
Rep. Don Lehe, Chair (SB 185 Co-Sponsor)
Phone: (317) 234-3827
Email: h25@iga.in.gov
Rep. Steve Bartels, Vice Chair
Phone: (317) 232-9802
Email: h74@iga.in.gov
Rep. Beau Baird
Phone: (317) 232-9981
Email: h44@iga.in.gov
Rep. Brad Barrett
Phone: (317) 232-9815
Email: h56@iga.in.gov
Rep. Doug Gutwein
Phone: (317) 232-9815
Email: h16@iga.in.gov
Rep. Dave Heine
Phone: (317) 232-9816
Email: h85@iga.in.gov
Rep. Ethan Manning
Phone: (317) 232-9620
Email: h23@iga.in.gov
Rep. J.D. Prescott
Phone: (317) 234-3827
Email: h33@iga.in.gov
Rep. Christy Stutzman
Phone: (317) 232-9753
Email: h49@iga.in.gov
Rep. Melanie Wright, Ranking Minority Member
Phone: (317) 232-9794
Email: h35@iga.in.gov
Rep. Ross Deal
Phone: (317) 232-9976
Email: h7@iga.in.gov
Rep. Terry Goodin
Phone: (317) 232-9048
Email: h66@iga.in.gov
Rep. Justin Moed
Phone: (317) 232-9794
Email: h97@iga.in.gov
AKC Government Relations continues to closely monitor this legislation. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.