Connecticut Law About Dogs

Connecticut Law About Dogs
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See Also: Service Animals and the ADA

Research Guides

Recent Public Acts

Research guides prepared by the Connecticut Judicial Branch law librarians:

Dog Law in Connecticut
- Sec. 1 Control of Dogs in Connecticut
- Sec. 2 Cruelty to Dogs in Connecticut
- Sec. 3 Dog Injuries in Connecticut
- Sec. 4 Service Animals
- Sec. 5 Dogs as Pets

Office of Legislative Research:

Animal Cruelty

Animal Cruelty Cases In Connecticut - 2017-R-0049

Court Procedures for Animal Cruelty Cases - 2016-R-0226

Animal Cruelty Laws in Connecticut & Oregon - 2008-R-0291

Breeders and Pet Shops

Municipal Enforcement Action Against a Pet shop - 2016-R-0280

Standards of Care for Dog and Cat Breeders - 2013-R-0309

Pet Shops and Imported Animals - 2013-R-0275
Dog Breeding Laws in Connecticut and Other States - 2006-R-0262

Dog Bites

Liability For Dog Bites - 2012-R-0459
Connecticut Leash and Dog Bite Law - 2004-R-0308

Connecticut Dog Biting Statute - 2002-R-0540

Domestic Animals

Meaning of a Dog "pursuing Or Worrying" a Domestic Animal Under CGS Sec. 22-358(a) - 2014-R-0219
Dogs that Attack and Kill Livestock - 2005-R-0690

Policies and Ownership

Dog-Related Claims Made Under Property and Casualty Insurance Policies - 2015-R-0233
Dog Policies at State Parks and Municipal Beaches - 2014-R-0133
States That Prohibit Breed Specific Ordinances - 2013-R-0049

Pet Custody After Divorce - 2011-R-0027

Animal License Fees and Municipalities - 2005-R-0264

Dog Breed Restrictions in Homeowners Insurance - 2005-R-0399

Service Dogs

Service Dogs and the Law - 2014-R-0025

Connecticut Case Law

Auster v. Norwalk United Methodist Church, 286 Conn. 152, 943 A.2d 391 (2008). The plaintiff commenced this action against the defendant seeking damages under the dog bite statute, General Statutes Sec. 22-357, pursuant to which an owner or keeper of a dog is strictly liable for any damage caused by the dog to the person or property of another. Specifically, the plaintiff sought to recover damages from the defendant as a keeper of the dog under Sec. 22-357.

Graff v. Zoning Board of Appeals, 277 Conn. 645 (2006)
Restricting number of dogs on residential property.

Public Act 14-77. An Act Concerning Certain Recommendations of the Task Force on the Sale of Cats and Dogs from Inhumane Origins at Connecticut Pet Shops
- Summary of Public Act 14-77

Connecticut Statutes

Sec. 14-226 Operator to report injury to dog.
Sec. 14-272b Transport of dogs in pick-up trucks.
Sec. 22-327 Definitions.

Sec. 22-329 Prevention of cruelty to dogs and other animals

Sec. 22-332 Impoundment and disposition of roaming, injured or mistreated animals.

Sec. 22-333 Redemption of impounded dog, cat or other animal.

Sec. 22-338 Licensing of dogs. Fees. Penalties. Rabies certificate. Exemption.

Sec. 22-339b Rabies vaccination required for dogs and cats.

Sec. 22-340 Town clerk to provide licenses and tags.

Sec. 22-341 Tag or plate to be attached to dog collar or harness.

Sec. 22-344b Pet shop required to have dogs and cats examined by veterinarian.

Sec. 22-345 License and tag for guide dogs for blind, deaf or mobility impaired persons.

Sec. 22-349 Unlicensed dogs. Regulations. Impoundment.

Sec. 22-350 Dogs as personal property. Tax exemption. Theft.

Sec. 22-350a Tethering and confining of dog for unreasonable period of time.

Sec. 22-351 Theft, killing or injuring of companion animal. Penalty. Liability.

Sec. 22-355 Damage by dogs to domestic animals.

Sec. 22-357 Damage to person or property.

Sec. 22-358 Killing of dogs doing damage. Quarantine of biting dogs, cats, or other animals.

Sec. 22-362 Annoyance by dogs on highway.

Sec. 22-363 Nuisance

Sec. 22-364 Dogs roaming at large.

Sec. 22-364a Intentional or reckless release of domestic animal which causes damage.

Sec. 22-364b Control of dogs in proximity to guide dogs

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