DESMOND'S LAW
Category: Animal Cruelty
AT A GLANCE
With the passage of Public Act 16-30 in 2016, Connecticut became the first state in the country to enact Desmond’s Law, a groundbreaking law that allows judges to appoint volunteer advocates in certain animal cruelty cases involving dogs and cats.
Named in honor of Desmond, a dog who suffered horrific abuse before being killed by his owner, the law was created to help judges better understand the facts, evidence, and welfare issues surrounding complex cruelty cases.
Unlike many animal protection laws, Desmond’s Law does not create new crimes or increase criminal penalties. Instead, it strengthens the judicial process by giving judges access to additional expertise when deciding some of Connecticut’s most serious animal cruelty crimes.
A DEEPER DIVE
Desmond's Law authorizes, not requires, a judge to appoint a qualified volunteer advocate in criminal animal cruelty prosecutions, court proceedings stemming from an animal control officer’s seizure of an animal, and other proceedings involving the welfare or custody of a cat or dog.
The volunteer advocates are attorneys knowledgeable in animal law or law students studying animal law under the supervision of their professor. Once appointed, the advocate may:
-
Review veterinary, police, and animal control records.
-
Consult with veterinarians, animal behavior experts, and other professionals.
-
Attend court hearings and monitor the case’s progress.
-
Present factual information and submitting recommendations to the court.
The advocate serves solely in an advisory capacity. They do not represent the animal as legal counsel, prosecute the case, question witnesses, or appeal court decisions. Their role is to help the court better understand the defendant's pattern of behavior and highlight the human connection inherent in the case.
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture maintains the official list of eligible volunteer advocates, from which judges may make appointments.
1
1
2
WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY DO?
Animal cruelty cases are often far more complex than they first appear. The unique circumstances, extensive records, and technical evidence can require specialized knowledge that falls outside the scope of a typical criminal case. Desmond’s Law provides judges with access to subject matter experts who help ensure courts have the information needed to make well-informed decisions.
By reviewing case records, monitoring court proceedings, consulting with experts, and providing factual recommendations, advocates help bring greater attention to the seriousness of animal cruelty cases. Their involvement also helps ensure that important evidence or broader animal welfare considerations are not overlooked during the judicial process. Because advocates serve on a volunteer basis, they provide this additional expertise at virtually no cost to taxpayers.
A report published by Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates, which analyzed Connecticut animal cruelty cases from 2016 through 2025, found that cases with an appointed advocate were more likely to result in meaningful outcomes that held defendants accountable for their actions and better protected vulnerable populations from continued abuse.
What the Research Found (2016-2025)
-
63% of felony cases with an advocate resulted in a jail sentence, compared to 25% without an advocate.
-
9 of 33 felony cases with an advocate had charges increased, compared to 1 of 23 without one.
-
Only 2.6% of cases with an advocate were nolled, compared to 8.4% of cases without an advocate.
-
92% of all felony animal cruelty cases involved violent acts including death, torture, prolonged abuse, disfigurement, or the loss of a limb or eyesight.
Animal cruelty rarely exists in isolation. Research has consistently demonstrated The Link – the well established connection between animal cruelty and other forms of violence, including child abuse, elder abuse, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence. By helping courts respond more effectively to animal cruelty, Desmond’s Law also strengthens broader efforts to identify patterns of violence and protect both animals and people.
WHAT'S MISSING?
Although Desmond’s Law was groundbreaking, it has several important limitations.
First, appointing an advocate is entirely optional. Judges are not required to appoint one, and usage varies considerably from one courthouse to another.
Second, the law applies only to cats and dogs. Other animals protected under Connecticut’s animal cruelty laws, including horses, rabbits, birds, reptiles, farmed animals, and more, are not eligible for an appointed advocate.
The law also limits advocates to an advisory role. Judges are not required to follow an advocate’s recommendations, and advocates have no authority to prosecute cases or otherwise influence the legal outcome of a case.
Finally, Connecticut simply does not have enough volunteer advocates to meet the demand. As a result, many eligible animal cruelty cases proceed without the benefit of an appointed advocate.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Desmond’s Law was a historic first step, but there is still more it can, and should, do to provide even more animals with the protection they deserve.
CVA supports efforts to:
-
Expand the law so advocates may be appointed in cases involving all animals, not just cats and dogs.
-
Increase recruitment and training of volunteer advocates to ensure every eligible case has access to one.
-
Encourage or require advocate appointments in animal cruelty cases involving violent acts.
-
Continue evaluating ways to strengthen the advocate’s role while preserving the fairness and integrity of the judicial process.