The Indianapolis City-County Council bans the sale of pets in stores

Indianapolis, Indiana – A resolution enacted by the Indianapolis City-County Council forbids the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits by neighborhood pet shops.

The city-county council approved Proposal 57 on Monday night, which bans common pet animals from being sold in pet businesses in Indianapolis.

“The proposal will encourage constituents to adopt from animal shelters, encourage pet stores to partner with shelters and rescues to adopt out, and protect consumers,” the council said in a news release.

The proposal, which was co-sponsored by Councillors John Barth, Zach Adamson, Dan Boots, Jason Larrison, and Ali Brown, says that existing pet stores will have 2 years to transition to a new business model. According to a release, “that can include the option of continuing to sell animals that are sourced from Animal Care Services or rescue organizations”.

“With the passage of Proposal 57, Indianapolis joins over 440 localities, including 13 Indiana cities in halting the sale of commercially raised dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores,” said Councillor John Barth, District 7. “With this initiative, our city will join an effort that has already shrunk the demand for puppy mills and will ease the burden on Animal Care Services.”

Indy Humane, Friends of Indy Animals, Guardian Angel Bassett Rescue, Love of Labs Indiana, Medical Mutts, Golden Retriever Rescue, Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside, FACE Low-Cost Clinic, and Indiana House Rabbit Society are just a few of the local animal welfare organizations that reportedly signed a letter of support for Proposal 57.

“This proposal has been a long time coming,” said Council Vice President Zach Adamson. “It represents years of planning and coordinating with constituents, non-profit animal welfare groups, and discussions with pet stores.”

A bill to prevent regional bans on dog sales at pet businesses like this one was approved by the Indiana State Senate last month.

With some Republicans joining Democrats in voting against the measure, the bill cleared the Senate 29 to 18 votes. It will now be considered by the Senate.