Indy Standard

The Indiana House of Representatives has given its support to a bill authored by State Representative Dave Hall aimed at providing adoption opportunities for healthy dogs and cats previously used in research laboratories. The proposed legislation, similar to laws enacted in Iowa and Michigan, seeks to ensure these animals can transition from lab environments to becoming family pets.

"This legislation ensures that dogs and cats get a second chance at a loving home," Hall stated. "If these animals are no longer participating in research, they deserve the opportunity to be adopted."

House Bill 1458 successfully passed through the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee before receiving approval from the full House of Representatives.

Samantha Chapman, state director for the U.S. Humane Society, expressed her support for the bill. It is informally known as "Sunny's Bill," named after her beagle rescued from a breeding facility in Virginia along with 4,000 other dogs in 2022.

The bill will now proceed to the Senate for further deliberation. For more information on the bill or legislative session updates, visit iga.in.gov.