dog sales

Pet stores will be able to sell dogs anywhere in Indiana, even in communities where those sales are banned by local ordinances, under a bill Gov. Eric Holcomb signed into law Monday.

A bill that adds new requirements to how dogs are bred and sold in Indiana is headed to the governor's desk after it narrowly cleared the House Thursday.

Nearly two dozen local ordinances across Indiana that ban the sale of dogs in pet stores will be eliminated under a bill that's a step away from the governor's desk.

Proponents say the legislation ensures dog breeders are held to a high standard, while allowing pet stores anywhere in the state to sell dogs. Opponents during Mondays contentious, three-hour hearing say those standards are vague and the bill undercuts local decisions.

Local governments would be banned from preventing local pet stores from selling dogs under a bill approved by Republicans in a House committee Monday.