On Monday, March 10, 2025, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Judiciary will accept public testimony on SB 1446, which for dogs roaming unlawfully, would remove the violation being deemed as an infraction and allow the imposition of fines up to $350 for a first offense and up to $500 for a second offense. Subsequent violations would be classified as Class C misdemeanors. Additionally, if a dog with known vicious tendencies causes injury while roaming, the owner may face fines up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, provided the injured party was not provoking the dog.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports SB 1446. Dog owners must be responsible for their dog’s safety by properly controlling the dog, providing fencing where appropriate, not letting them run loose, and using a leash in public.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Connecticut residents are strongly encouraged to electronically register your support by contacting the Committee before February 18, 2025.
- Click on this committee contact form.
- Fill in the fields for your name, and select “March 10, 2025, 10:00AM” from the “Hearing Date and Time” drop down menu.
- Select “SB01446-AAC ROAMING DOGS”.
- 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 10AM, March 10, 2025, public hearing in person or remotely. To do either, you must register by following these details before Sunday, March 9, 2025, 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.