(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Nearly two dozen Indiana communities will have ordinances banning the sale of puppies at retail pet stores invalidated as of July 1.
There are 21 communities that have such ordinances with more than a dozen in Northwest Indiana.
Governor Eric Holcomb signed into law new requirements for pet stores, breeders and rescues to register with the State Board of Animal Health.
The board can conduct random, unannounced inspections of any commercial dog breeder, broker, or retail pet store starting July 1, 2025.
Indiana pet stores selling dogs also will be required to disclose all fees associated with the purchase, each dog's age and breed, medical history, breeder name and address, details needed for pedigree registration, proof of microchipping and the store's return policy, the Times of Northwest Indiana reports.
Holcomb said, in a statement, the law will "ensure responsible breeding practices and improve animal care and safety.”
Those critical of the bill say it would allow pet stores to continue encouraging puppy mill breeding by selling pets received from certified breeders and eliminating local oversight of animal shelters and retail pet stores.
The Humane Society strongly disagrees with the move.
The Indiana Director, Samantha Chapman, said before the legislation was signed into law, “it’s shocking to see some Indiana legislators prioritizing the business interests of Petland.”
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