Ind. ‘Puppy Mill Bill’ passes in Senate

INDIANA (WFIE) - A controversial bill has passed out of the Indiana Senate.

That bill is House Bill 1412, better known as the “Puppy Mill Bill.”

As we’ve reported, the bill would get rid of local ordinances that ban the sale of dogs at retail pet stores.

It Takes a Village Animal Rescue says that would open the door for puppy mills to sell dogs to large retailers.

[Previous Story: Evansville animal rescue speaks out against ‘Puppy Mill bill’]

The author of the bill says it is actually an anti-puppy mill bill, and would set state regulations.

Leaders with the rescue released a statement after the bill passed out of the Senate.

They say in part they are “disheartened” the bill passed in the Senate, however, they are also thankful for those that voted no on the bill.

Here is a look at our Indiana Senators’ votes on the bill:

• Senator Vaneta Becker, who represents Warrick and parts of Vanderburgh County, voted no on the bill.
• Senators Eric Bassler, Mark Messmer, and Jim Tomes, all voted yes.

The bill now awaits a final signature from Governor Eric Holcomb.