Bill > SB01446

This bill enhances legal penalties for dog owners who allow their dogs to roam at large on another person's property or public highways without supervision. Under the revised law, a first violation of letting a dog roam will result in a fine up to $350, a second violation will incur a fine up to $500, and any subsequent violations will be considered a class C misdemeanor. The bill specifically maintains an exception for hunting dogs during open hunting or training seasons. Additionally, the bill empowers animal control officers to seek court orders, including injunctions, against dog owners who do not control their animals. For livestock-related roaming, the violation remains classified as an infraction. In cases where a dog with known vicious propensities has previously violated the roaming restriction and then causes physical injury to a person (who was not teasing or abusing the dog), the owner could face more serious penalties of up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in prison, or both. The new provisions will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Justice

Judiciary Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01446&which_year=2025