On Thursday, March 7, 2024, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee will accept public testimony on a list of bills, including SB 339, which requires restitution by anyone that injures or kills a police K-9 or volunteer search and rescue dog. Current law makes anyone intentionally injuring one of these dogs while performing their duties guilty of a class D felony. SB 339 would also require that person to pay the cost of incurred veterinary services and, if the dog is no longer able to perform its duties, the costs and expenses incurred in the purchase and training of a replacement dog.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports SB 339. We support the breeders, trainers, and handlers of working dogs, which enrich the lives of humans by performing a variety of valuable services such as handicapped assistance; drug, bomb, and arson detection; and tracking to locate missing persons or fugitives. Police K-9s are working dogs that contribute to our national security and protect the peace and security of communities.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Connecticut residents are strongly encouraged to electronically register your support by contacting the Committee before March 6, 2024.
- Click on the committee contact form here.
- Fill in the fields for your name, and select “March 7, 2024, 10:30AM” from the “Hearing Date and Time” drop down menu.
- Select “SB00339-AA REQUIRING RESTITUTION WHEN A POLICE ANIMAL OR DOG INJURED”.
- On the right-hand side, select “Supports”.
- If you wish, you may add comments and/or upload written testimony in PDF format.
In addition, you may speak at the March 7, 2024, public hearing starting at 10:30AM in person or remotely. To do either, you must register by following these details before Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 3PM.
For more information on these or other legislative issues in Connecticut, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.