[Evansville, IN] – The Vanderburgh Humane Society will be hosting a 1412 adoption event this weekend. This event, scheduled for March 2-3, 2024, aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by local shelters and urges Governor Eric Holcomb to veto HB 1412.
Why Veto HB 1412: The VHS believes that vetoing HB 1412 is crucial to safeguarding the welfare of Indiana’s pets, families and the tireless individuals working towards creating a more humane state. The 1412 event serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by shelters and the necessity for responsible legislation aligned with Governor Holcomb’s commitment to animal welfare.
How VHS is Participating: The Vanderburgh Humane Society Adoptions team invites the community to join them for “$14.12 adoption†on Saturday, March 2nd from 12-6 pm at both VHS and River Kitty Cat Café. (River Kitty will also be open on Sunday, March 3rd as well.) ALL pets of any age will be $14.12 (rounded to $15 if paying cash.) All normal adoption perks are included in the price: spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccines, and a starter bag of food.
“Indiana’s shelters are experiencing a crisis unlike anything we’ve seen since years before Covid. The fact that this bill was even written, let alone has passed in the Indiana legislature, is unfathomable,†says Amanda Coburn, VHS Director of Advancement. “We are drowning in dogs. Corporate greed can never come before the welfare of animals and the will of Hoosiers who love them.â€
Reducing adoption fees this much will be a significant financial burden for the organization. Those would like to donate to help with these costs can do so at https://give.vhslifesaver.org.Â
About HB 1412: HB 1412 ignores the growing problem of pet homelessness and the crisis that Indiana shelters and rescues are facing and would even worsen the problem in many communities throughout the state by forcing our cities and counties to allow pet stores to import and resell puppy mill puppies. It would void 21 local pet store ordinances, removing an important tool in managing pet overpopulation.
Drafted and rushed through the legislature without input from animal welfare organizations, HB 1412 is an industry-driven bill. It imposes additional burdens on already overwhelmed shelters and rescues, mandating their registration with the Board of Animal Health under the threat of a $10,000 penalty. It would also require local animal control agencies who are stretched thin to help enforce the bill’s complicated and weak provisions that appear to regulate the very entities they protect.
This bill is in direct conflict with Governor Holcomb’s November 2023 “Adopt A Hoosier Shelter Pet Week†proclamation that declared “the state of Indiana is committed to promoting the welfare and well-being of its animal companions†and “it is our duty to encourage responsible pet ownership and to promote the benefits of adopting shelter animals.†The VHS also hosted a weeklong adoption event for that as well, which was very successful.
HB 1412 must be vetoed to support Indiana pets, families and the hundreds of dedicated Hoosiers working to make our state more humane for animals and people alike.
