The Connecticut General Assembly adjourned the 2024 session late in the night on May 8. Two bills supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO) have passed both chambers and are their way to the Governor.
SB 339 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 require that person to also 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. Click here to learn more about SB 339.
HB 5304 would, in part, name the Siberian Husky as the state dog of Connecticut. Motivation for passing the bill came in part in celebration of the University of Connecticut men’s basketball national championships in both 2023 and 2024. The team’s mascot is the Husky.
Legislation proposed by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, HB 5223, in addition to provisions noted in this AKC update, was amended by the House to change the rabies vaccination schedule at the request of Connecticut’s Veterinary Medical Association. Amended HB 5223 is also on its way to the Governor for consideration.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Connecticut residents are strongly encouraged to electronically register your support for both SB 339 and HB 5304 by emailing Governor Ned Lamont from this website. In the comments box, be certain to include the bill numbers; “Support SB 339 and HB 5304 – Protecting Police and Working K9s and naming the Husky as Connecticut’s state dog”. Note that Connecticut kennel clubs have partnered with AKC Reuinte’s “Adopt a K9 Cop Grant” program to donate 14 K9 officers to Connecticut police departments.
If you prefer, you can alternatively contact the Governor:
By Mail: Office of Governor Ned Lamont, State Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
By Phone: 860-566-4840
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.