CVA works to protect animals by creating and improving Connecticut's laws and encouraging our elected leaders to make the well-being of animals their priority. We work with voters like you, legislators & other officials across CT government, and a hired lobbyist to introduce and pass pro-animal laws. We also fight the passage of harmful, inhumane laws. Read more on our About Us page...

CVA News

Big Wins for Animals this Session!

5/10/12 We are thrilled to report that both HB 5409 and HB 5446 unanimously passed the legislature! This is a huge victory for animals in the municipal shelter system and dogs in puppy mills and pet stores.

HB 5409 concerning Pet Shops (1) makes clear that pet shops must reimburse for veterinary expenses when consumers want to keep their beloved cat or dog, (2) requires notice to customers of their rights under Connecticut’s “Pet Lemon Law,” and (3) institutes fines for poor animal care by pet shops.
HB 5446 concerning Animal Control Officers, would (1) require training for new Animal Control Officers and (2) allow ACOs to redeem State spay/neuter vouchers in order to sterilize animals before releasing them to adopters.

- also passed:

HB 5289 Increases the penalty for a second or subsequent cruelty conviction.

Your voice made a difference!! Animals gain strong protections like these with the help of many people, especially caring citizens like you.

If you contacted your lawmakers regarding these bills, be sure to send them a note to thank them for their help!

Volunteer for CVA!

Are you interested in becoming more involved in CVA? We are actively recruiting new volunteers! To get started, please fill out our online questionnaire, and we'll be in touch.

CVA Receives LUSH grant!

We are proud to announce that we have just received a generous $14,000 grant from LUSH Cosmetics to be used to support CVA's legislative work at the State Capitol! The constant presence of our lobbyist at the State Capitol is a significant financial cost yet plays a crucial role in our ability to win laws for animals. This grant will make a great impact on our ability to speak for animals at the CT Legislature. CVA is honored to be recognized for the meaningful work that we - and all of you! - have been doing to advocate for animals.

This grant has been awarded to us as part of LUSH's Charity Pot program, which is specifically reserved for small, grassroots organizations. As an additional perk, CVA's logo will appear on the side of a batch of Charity Pot lotion containers to be sold in all of LUSH's stores! LUSH Cosmetics is a vegetarian/vegan and environmentally friendly company that sells handmade cosmetics. To learn more about the Charity Pot program and browse their wonderful products please click here !

CVA's annual mid-session update a big success!

CVA hosted a reception and mid-session update in the Legislative Office Building at the State Capitol on March 21st. It was well-attended by lawmakers and friends, we enjoyed fabulous vegan food, and shared ideas about animal legislation. Pro-animal voters are becoming a strong presence at the Capitol! Check out the photos!

CVA vice-president Susan Linker with Rep. Auden Grogins
See the rest of the photos!