Connecticut Law About Dogs

Connecticut Law About Dogs
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Research Guides

Recent Public Acts

Research guides prepared by the Connecticut Judicial Branch law librarians:

Dog Law in Connecticut
- § 1 Control of Dogs in Connecticut
- § 2 Cruelty to Dogs in Connecticut
- § 3 Dog Injuries in Connecticut

Legislative Reports from the Connecticut Office of Legislative Research:

Meaning of a Dog "pursuing Or Worrying" a Domestic Animal Under CGS § 22-358(a) - 2014-R-0219

Dog Policies at State Parks and Municipal Beaches - 2014-R-0133

Service Dogs and the Law - 2014-R-0025

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

Pet Shops and Imported Animals - 2013-R-0275

States That Prohibit Breed Specific Ordinances 2013-R-0049

Liability For Dog Bites 2012-R-0459

Pet Custody After Divorce 2011-R-0027

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

Animal Cruelty Cases In Connecticut 2008-R-0260

Dog Breeding Laws in Connecticut and Other States 2006-R-0262

Animal License Fees and Municipalities 2005-R-0264

Dog Breed Restrictions in Homeowners Insurance 2005-R-0399

Dogs that Attack and Kill Livestock 2005-R-0690

Connecticut Leash and Dog Bite Law 2004-R-0308

Connecticut Dog Biting Statute 2002-R-0540

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 § 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 § 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

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

§22-329 Prevention of cruelty to dogs and other animals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§22-349 Unlicensed dogs. Regulations. Impoundment.

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

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

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

§22-355 Damage by dogs to domestic animals.

§22-357 Damage to person or property.

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

§22-362 Annoyance by dogs on highway.

§22-363 Nuisance

§22-364 Dogs roaming at large.

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

§22-364b Control of dogs in proximity to guide dogs

Connecticut Law by Subject