Bill > HB1458

This bill requires research facilities in Indiana to establish adoption programs for dogs and cats that are no longer needed for research purposes, which are defined as "retired animals". The bill defines a research facility as any Indiana-based organization that uses animals for experimentation, testing, or research, including biomedical and educational research. When a dog or cat becomes a retired animal, the research facility must offer the animal for adoption to an animal care facility, unless euthanasia is necessary for health or safety reasons. The research facility has two options for adoption: they can either transfer the animal's ownership and custody to an animal care facility to help find a permanent home, or directly transfer the animal to a person who will adopt it, based on an agreed-upon arrangement. The bill includes provisions allowing research facilities to collaborate with animal care facilities to implement these adoption procedures, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The primary goal is to provide a pathway for research animals to be adopted into permanent homes rather than being euthanized when they are no longer needed for research.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1458/details