Lawson bill to protect cats and dogs living in shelters across Indiana gains House OK

INDIANAPOLIS — State Rep. Linda Lawson (D-Hammond) has achieved a critical step in her seven-year battle to protect thousands of cats and dogs living in shelters across Indiana.

Today, Indiana House members have approved House Bill 1201, which outlines three measures to reduce the number of animal euthanasia in the state while saving Indiana a significant amount of money that would otherwise be spent on animal care.

The bill would take three simple actions to resolve the issue: (1) authorizing the Board of Animal Health to establish a registry of animal care facilities; (2) requiring a dog or cat in an animal care facility to be spayed or neutered before adoption from the facility; and (3) stipulating a five-year time period for the transition to take place.

Lawson has spent countless hours with constituents who are passionate about animal welfare, witnessing firsthand the issues rescue organizations face.

“I am so pleased to see this bill move forward,” said Lawson. “I truly believe that this legislation will have a positive effect on both Indiana and the cat and dog population, while lifting a tremendous burden off the shoulders of animal care facilities.”

Lawson is joined on House Bill 1201 by Rep. Michael Karickhoff (R-Kokomo), Rep. Randy Truitt (R-West Lafayette) and Rep. Melanie Wright (D-Yorktown).

The bill passed the House with a vote of 96-0 and will advance to the Senate for further discussion.