The increase of pet theft and resale “Pet Flipping”, has become a profitable business in the State of Indiana.  Pets are either being stolen or lost pets are taken and immediately sold for profit.  Owners of these stolen pets have no recourse in retrieving their pets, and the Animal Ordinances are failing, as it becomes a civil matter.  A unified law is needed, such as Michigan’s law as a model, requiring the reporting a found animal within a specific time period or face penalties.  Further, requirements for statewide licensing requirement including mandatory microchipping a part of the licensing process would help to identify stolen pets, returning them promptly and reducing costs to animal shelters. License and microchip information in a state database system would provide further efficiencies and reduce costs of stray animals. All of these provisions would increase the safety of Indiana pets and support owner rights.

Animal shelters are not united across the state with common standards. Communities want all animals to be protected, cared for and treated humanely.  Further, laws stating clear standards for animal care need to be enacted statewide to support Animal Control and Law Enforcement efforts to protect pets and assure pets are safe and treated humanely. Michigan again has model laws which could serve as guide lines. Currently there are examples of animal control agencies that are being forced to return pets that have been removed due to concerns for their safety. There have been reported incidences of dogs that were on chains with no access to food, water and shelter. Acts of incredible cruelty including pets being used as bait in dog fighting and hoarding from well meaning intention has resulted in deplorable conditions for animals, that are left without protection. Statewide standards and common code does not exist.  Indiana pets and pet owners need laws to assure that all parts of the law enforcement process from animal control, to law enforcement to prosecutors and judges have common standards and laws enacted upon which they can act and provide protection.

There should be a statewide code that every county have a designated animal control officer that is knowledgeable in animal welfare and be granted the authority to do the job. Required dog licensing fees could in part support animal control officer or county animal welfare agency. Those not licensing their pet should be fined. Eliminating personal opinion calls by enforcing the statewide guidelines of neglect and cruelty.  Other surrounding states have state enforceable pet protection codes to prevent these issues. They include fines and/or jail time for offenders. The State of Indiana needs to stay consistent throughout, with state laws, not city ordinances that are failing. We need to become a pet safe and friendly State.