2026 LEGISLATION
Legislation Tracker
Updated: Monday, April 20, 2026
Priority Levels:
1 = Strongly Support
2 = Support
3 = Neutral
4 = Opposed
5 = Strongly Opposed
Priority Level | Bill No. | Bill Title | Impact | Status | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | HB 5566 | AAC Accelerated Rehabilitation In The Case Of Animal Cruelty | Restricts the use of AR in animal cruelty cases to first time offenders or in cases where 15 or more years have passed since previous charges. | Added to House Calendar (No. 435) on 5/15/26. | Support |
2026 Legislative Priorities
CVA has identified five priority issues for the 2026 legislative session.
1. Address Animal Cruelty
2. Ban Poisons
3. Ban the Sale of Animals in Pet Stores
4. Oppose Bear Hunting Legalization
4. Prevent Rabbit Farming Expansion
In addition to these issues, CVA is prepared to advocate for animals in other important areas, including, but not limited to:
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Ban cat declawing
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Prohibit shark finning
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End wildlife trafficking
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Increase wildlife rehabilitation funding
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Ban leg-hold traps
Connecticut is facing a dual crisis: An increase in animal cruelty crimes and a decrease in legal accountability.
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2023-24: 36.6% increase in animal cruelty crimes. (DESPP, 2025)
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2024-25: 17.7% estimated increase in animal cruelty crimes. (Desmond's Army, 2025)
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2024: 94% of disposed cases resulted in little to no meaningful consequence. (Desmond's Army, 2025)
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2025: 80% of disposed cases resulted in little to no meaningful consequence. (Desmond's Army, 2025)
CVA is currently working on two key bills that would help address this issue:
An Act Concerning Accelerated Rehabilitation in the Case of Animal Cruelty
An Act Concerning Service And Therapy Animals In Insurance Underwriting, The Appointment Of An Advocate In Proceedings Concerning The Welfare Or Custody of Companion Animals, Assault Of A Domestic Animal And Establishing An Animal Abuse Task Force
Address Animal Cruelty
There is no such thing as a safe poison. Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGAR's) and neonicotinoids (neonics) are commonly used poisons that are extremely dangerous to pets, children, and wildlife. In 2025, Connecticut passed a weak law that will continue to allow the use of both of these poisons.
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SGAR's were reclassified to "restricted use," allowing the hundreds of applicators across the state to continue using them.
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Neonics were explicitly permitted to be used on shrubs and bushes; areas that are vital to insects.
There is unfortunately no bill that would ban these poisons in 2026. However, one bill would help with tracking data:
An Act Concerning Pesticide Reporting Modernization
Learn more about CT's poison issue and this bill using the resources below.
Ban Poisons
The puppy mill to pet store pipeline is a well-documented issue that perpetuates the mistreatment of dogs, cats, rabbits, and other thinking, feeling, and loving animals. Connecticut had the chance to ban the sale of animals in pet stores last year but failed to do so. This failure is felt strongest in Stamford when last year, legislation to ban animal sales was passed but ultimately vetoed by the mayor due to confusion as to whether they had the authority to do so. Uncertainty about municipal authority should not be what stops commonsense reforms.
While a bill to ban pet store animals sales wasn't raised this year, a bill to clear up confusion around local control has been:
An Act Authorizing Municipalities to Prohibit the Sale of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits in Pet Shops
Ban the Sale of Animals in Pet Stores
Proponents for legalizing bear hunting wrongly assume that by killing bears, human-bear conflicts would decrease. In reality, all studies indicate that hunting would only serve to increase the number of conflicts.
There's been a push for legalizing bear hunting or reducing regulations pertaining to killing bears for more than 10 straight years. This year, the angle is to rollback restrictions on wildlife killing permits by adding damage caused last year as a valid reason to issue a permit this year. This means that any bear seen this year could be killed, even if that bear hasn't caused any damage.
An Act Concerning the Protection of Crops and Livestock from Certain Wildlife
Bear Hunting Legalization
What's the difference between a rabbit raised on a farm and a rabbit living in someone's home? Nothing.
Last year, Connecticut residents made their voices heard thanks to unprecedented levels of advocacy. Over 560 pieces of testimony were submitted opposing the rabbit farming bill while only 7 were submitted in support.
Due in large part to public outcry for animals; for the first time in over 5 years, there may not be a rabbit farming bill!
Prevent Rabbit Farming Expansion
How CT Votes for Animals Determines its Legislative Priorities
Each legislative session, CVA undertakes the challenging task of determining which issues affecting animals will become the organization’s legislative priorities. While there are hundreds of pressing issues, we must narrow our focus to remain politically effective.
The Decision-Making Process
Many people ask how we decide which issues to prioritize. To make these decisions, we carefully consider a number of variables:
History and Momentum
Is this an issue we have been working on for years? Creating new legislation often requires persistence over multiple sessions. Each year, we may achieve incremental “wins,” but achieving full legislative change can take time. For example, in 2025, second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) were changed from ‘general use’ to ‘restricted use’ products. This slight change is a step in the right direction toward an outright ban. In order to achieve this goal, continued advocacy is essential.
Political Climate
What is the current environment at the state level? The budget, for instance, creates challenges for bills that require funding. In a time of fiscal constraints, any bill with a fiscal note has a much harder time moving forward. Shifts in the political landscape greatly influence our ability to advance our priorities.
Legislator Support
Which issues have backing from lawmakers? Each session, we engage with legislators who champion animal welfare and others who may have opposing views. Since all bills rely on legislative sponsors to progress (or risk being stalled), these conversations play a crucial role in shaping our agenda.
Member Expectations
What do our members expect from us? Beyond political feasibility, we aim to address issues that resonate broadly with our supporters. Their passion and advocacy are the backbone of our work.
Remaining Flexible
While we focus on long-term priorities, we also recognize the need to remain agile. Each legislative session brings unexpected bills that could significantly impact animal welfare. This year, as we continue to advocate for our established priorities, we are equally committed to responding swiftly to emerging threats and opportunities.Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint, and our success depends on strategic focus and unwavering commitment. By balancing persistence, political pragmatism, and responsiveness, CT Votes for Animals ensures we’re fighting for the most impactful changes in animal welfare. We invite you to stay informed and engaged—together, we can make Connecticut a better place for all animals.
Every voice creates a lasting impact.
Thank you for helping create a future where all animals live in peace under the protection of strong laws.
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