Possible messages

As your constituent, I want to share how pleased I am by the passage and signing of H.B. 1085 and S.B. 323. These new laws will help prevent the tragedy of animals dying in sweltering cars on hot summer days by providing immunity to Good Samaritans who remove domestic animals trapped in unattended vehicles, and help victims of domestic violence keep pets away from abusers. These victories are hugely important for our state’s companion animals. However, one issue I care deeply about that was not resolved this session is the funding of spay/neuter services. To address pet overpopulation, the Indiana State Legislature passed House Enrolled Act 1201 in 2016. The law requires that, starting in 2021, shelters and rescue groups must spay/neuter animals before adoption. However, many of Indiana's municipal shelters and non-profit rescues cannot pay for all these surgeries. Additional funding is needed for shelters and rescues to meet the requirement of spay/neuter before adoption by 2021. I was disappointed that there was no appropriation in 2017, and I hope you and your colleagues make this a priority issue in the 2019 budget session.