CVA 2011 Accomplishments
A successful Legislative Session for Connecticut's animals!
The Connecticut legislative session has ended, and with the support of several stand-out legislators – Representatives Diana Urban, Auden Grogins, Bryan Hurlburt, and Clark Chapin, in particular – and the combined efforts of the ASPCA and Connecticut Votes for Animals, it was the best yet for the Constitution State’s animals!
While a bill to allow Sunday bow hunting (HB 5158) and a bill amendment to make permanent outdoor muzzling a penalty under the state’s already archaic dangerous dog law (amendment to HB 5011) did not advance, several important humane bills passed the legislature – all with unanimous support in the Senate – and have now become law:
HB 6226 (Public Act 11 -194)– An Act Concerning Cross-Reporting of Child Abuse and Animal Cruelty. Helps ensure children's and animals' safety by requiring thatDepartment of Children and Families caseworkers report animal cruelty to the Department of Agriculture and also investigate child abuse upon the receipt of reports of animal cruelty at the same address. Read full text of this law.
HB 6303 (Public Act 11 - 111) - An Act Concerning the Treatment of Ill and Injured Animals in Municipal Animal Shelters. Both encourages Connecticut’s public pounds to provide impounded animals with better care by working with nonprofit rescue organizations, and also requires the state Department of Agriculture to investigate complaints regarding any animal control officer’s failure to provide proper care to the animals in his or her charge. In addition, requires that pound animals be posted online for the duration of their impoundment and offers civil and criminal immunity to veterinarians who discount their fees for treating pound animals. Read full text of this law.
HB 5368 (Public Act 11 - 187) – Animal Importation: Requires animal importers to register, give notice of public adoption events, have an animal examined by a veterinarian within 48 hours of arrival in Connecticut, and maintain a record of veterinary care. Does not require an animal’s quarantine and permits only the inspection of records and animals, not the inspection of an animal importer’s private residence. Read full text of this law.
Thank you for your help, Connecticut !!!
