INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana bill is headed to Gov. Eric Holcomb's desk that would prohibit people who own lions, tigers, bears and other animals from allowing members of the public to come into direct contact with them.
Animals covered under House Enrolled Act 1248 include lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, jaguars, mountain lions and bears. People would not be allowed to touch or hold the animals, and a physical barrier would need to be in place if a business allows people to take photos of animals.
The bill passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday by a 66-26 vote.
Rep. David Abbott, R-Rome City, said he hopes the bill would protect animals from harm.
“It’s going to put a signal out that we are not conducive to organizations coming in that make a profit at the safety of an animal and the fair treatment of an animal,” Abbott said.
Abbott said 11 other states currently have similar laws.
Four tigers that belonged to “Tiger King” star Joe Exotic are at the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary in northeast Indiana.
Trish Nichols, the sanctuary’s executive director, said she cried tears of joy when she heard about the bill.
“By taking this step, in the long run, it shows that we are committed to the safety of the community and the welfare of these exotic animals,” Nichols said.
-
3 Plainfield spas investigated for possible human trafficking, prostitution
Police say the investigation began after several complaints from the community. Following the searches, individuals were safely removed from the locations.
2 shot, 1 critically injured at assisted living facility on Indy's east side
Two people were injured in a shooting at Rosewalk Assisted Living on the east side of Indianapolis Monday night.
Circle of Lights returns to Monument Circle this week
On Friday, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument will be lit up like a giant Christmas tree. The "flip of the switch” will happen at 6:50 p.m.
City considering scaling back protected bike lanes on city’s north side
The city is considering whether to scale back its original plans for two-way protected bike lanes along a 1.5-mile stretch of Pennsylvania Street, from 46th Street to Westfield Boulevard.
