Connecticut Overview – 2023 Session
CONNECTICUT
Legislative Overview – 2023 Session
(Adjourned on June 7, 2023)
19 pet-related items were proposed during the 2023 legislative session, 8 of which were designated as priority by the Pet Advocacy Network.
Final Disposition of Priority ISSUES:
| BILL # | SUMMARY | FINAL DISPOSITION |
| HB 5572 | Statewide Pet Sale Ban: An Act providing that the General Statutes be amended to: 1) Prohibit the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops after January 1, 2025; and 2) Authorize the Commissioner of Agriculture to revoke the pet shop license of any pet shop licensee that continues to do so. | DIED IN COMMITTEE |
| HB 5575 | Municipal Animal Shelter Standards: An Act providing that the General Statutes be amended to require that the Department of Agriculture update municipal animal shelter regulation standards to comport with state-mandated regulations for private shelters. | ENACTED |
| HB 5951 | Animal Exhibition Restrictions: An Act providing that Title 7 (Municipalities), Chapter 98 (Municipal Powers), Section 7-177 (Prizes) and Title 53 (Crimes), Chapter 945 (Offenses Against Humanity and Morality-Cruelty to Animals), Section 53-250 (Use of Animals, Reptiles & Birds) of the General Statutes be amended to prohibit the use of animals, fish, birds, and reptiles as prizes at carnivals and other events. | DIED IN COMMITTEE |
| HB 6337 | Companion Animal Welfare Task Force: An Act amending CT General Statutes to establish a task force to study companion animal welfare and examine laws of other states concerning such animals. | DIED IN COMMITTEE |
| HB 6635 | Homeowner’s/Renter’s Insurance/Breed-Specific Dog Prohibition: An Act to amend CT General Statutes to prohibit homeowners’ insurance and renters’ insurance policies from discriminating based on harboring or owning any dog of a specific breed or mixture of breeds. | DIED IN COMMITTEE |
| SB 1060 | Courtroom Animal Advocates: Amends Title 54 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 961 (Trial and Proceedings After Conviction), Section 54-86n (Appointment of advocate in proceeding re: the welfare or custody of a cat or dog. Advocate’s duties. Department of Agriculture to maintain list of eligible advocates) of CT General Statutes to clarify the court’s appointment of an advocate in proceedings concerning the welfare or custody of animals. | DIED IN COMMITTEE |
| SB 1069 | Dog Breeder Regulation/”Grooming Facility” Definition and Consumer Warranty Law Amendments: Amends Title 22 (Agriculture; Domestic Animals), Chapter 435 (Dogs and Other Companion Animals; Kennels & Pet Shops) of CT General Statutes to: 1) Redefine “animal” and “grooming facility”; 2) Regulate breeding kennels; and 3) Amend certain provisions of the consumer warranty statute. | ENACTED |
| REG 2023-001 | Municipal Dog Pound Facility Standards: Proposed CT Dept. of Agriculture rulemaking amends Title 22 (Agriculture; Domestic Animals), Chapter 435 (Dogs and Other Companion Animals; Kennels and Pet Shops), Section 22-336 (Towns to provide pounds or other suitable facilities; Regulations; Enforcement) of the General Statutes of CT to provide standards and facility requirements for municipal dog pound facilities. | PENDING |
View ALL Connecticut legislation tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2023 session.
View ALL local ordinances tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2023 session.
View ALL federal and state issues tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2023-24 session.