Bill would prevent cities from banning puppy mill sales

Indiana cities would be prohibited from banning the sale of dogs from puppy mills if a proposed bill passes this legislative session.

Lawmakers amended Senate Bill 134 to grandfather in communities that banned the sale of dogs from puppy mills, but it would still take away all future local control.

State Humane Society Director Samantha Chapman said the amendment isn’t enough.

“That would include the 14 ordinances that have passed, they would be able to stand. However, any community, any locality, city or town moving forward would not be able to pass any type of a humane pet store ordinance to effectively regulate the sale of dogs and cats in their communities, which is an egregious attack on local control.” Chapman said.

With the amendment, SB 134 passed out of the agriculture committee. It will have a third reading and final vote Monday.

Indianapolis is one city aiming to pass a ban on the sale of dogs from puppy mills ahead of the new potential law. The community affairs committee of the City-County Council will hear the Indianapolis humane pet store ordinance, Proposal #57 on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Assembly Room of the City County Building.

“We're going to continue fighting at the Statehouse to ensure that they're still able to pass that ordinance and that it will hold and be effective,” Chapman said.

If the ordinance passes, it will affect four local puppy-selling pet stores.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.