ROME CITY, IN - Indiana State Representative David Abbott, a Republican from Rome City, has been awarded the Indiana 2020 Legislator of the Year Award by the Humane Society of the United States.

The honor recognizes Abbott for his work regarding the protection of exotic animals.

Abbott's recent bills have aimed to end the possession, sale and breeding of wild animals in Indiana. His bills have been instrumental in putting new regulations on roadside zoos in the state.

The Indiana Attorney General's Office recently shut down one roadside operation that housed six lions, 16 tigers, seven tiger-lion hybrids, six cougars, two leopards and three bears.