Bill > HB1203

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, amends Indiana law to require research facilities, which are defined as any privately or government-owned entity in Indiana that uses animals for experimentation or testing, to establish adoption programs for dogs and cats that are no longer needed for research. These "retired animals," deemed suitable for adoption by the facility's veterinarian, must be offered to either an animal care facility (which has a meaning set forth in another Indiana Code section related to animal care) or directly to individuals for adoption into a permanent home, unless euthanasia is necessary for health, safety, or research reasons. Research facilities can collaborate with animal care facilities to facilitate these adoptions and are granted immunity from civil liability for good-faith efforts in transferring retired animals for adoption.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1203/details