By State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper)
When Hoosiers purchase a dog from a pet store, they have a right to know where it came from.
This year, I supported a new law that will require pet stores in Indiana to sell dogs from a registered breeder who meets national health and safety standards.
In recent years, several communities around Indiana passed local ordinances restricting the retail sale of dogs in commercial pet stores, which led to a patchwork of different requirements from one city to another.
House Enrolled Act 1412 addresses this by setting statewide standards all dog breeders and pet stores must follow. The new law will also require pet stores, animal care facilities and animal rescue operations that sell dogs to a retail store to annually register with the Indiana Board of Animal Health.
Pet stores will also be required to disclose the price of a dog, characteristics, pedigree of the dog, medical treatment the dog has received, microchip placement in the dog and the store's policy regarding warranties, refunds or returns.
Lastly, stores will be required to maintain records for seven years that show where a dog was obtained.
The law goes into effect on July 1, 2024 and will require dogs sold at pet stores to be acquired from a breeder that is Canine Care certified from Purdue University by July 1, 2025.
This certification ensures the most rigorous standards are met for the overall health and welfare of dogs.
As always, constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Messmer website or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48, which
includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
