Lawson’s fight for shelter animal protection advances to the governor’s desk for approval

INDIANAPOLIS — Following years of hard work and dedication, State Rep. Linda Lawson (D-Hammond) is close to succeeding in her efforts to protect the thousands of cats and dogs living in shelters across Indiana.

House Bill 1201 passed through the Indiana House today following an amendment introduced by the Indiana Senate. The House conceded to the change, allowing the bill to move to the governor’s desk for final approval.

The bill introduces three common sense measures to cut down on the number of animal euthanasias in the state:

authorizing the board of animal health to establish a registry of animal care facilities;

requiring a dog or cat in an animal care facility to be spayed or neutered before adoption from the facility;

stipulating a 5-year time period for the transition to take place.

“I am so excited to see this bill move forward and am happy that, after seven years of work, we can begin to put an end to animal euthanasia in the state,” said Lawson. “By implementing these simple actions, we can lift a heavy financial burden from the shoulders of animal care facilities.

“I am pleased to inform Indiana’s companion animal advocates that we are one step closer to saving the lives of thousands of animals across the state,” concluded Lawson. “Their tireless efforts on behalf of these animals made this legislation possible.”