On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee voted unanimous support for SB 339, which requires restitution by anyone that injures or kills a police K-9 or volunteer search and rescue dog by paying 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.
Thank you to all the Connecticut advocates who responded to AKC’s March 1 action alert by registering their support of SB 339! The bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Connecticut residents, register your support by using this form to identify and contact your member of the Connecticut State Senate. In the subject line, insert “Support SB 339 Restitution for Working Dogs”. Include your contact information and consider these talking points:
- Please support the breeders, trainers, and handlers of working dogs, which enrich the lives of humans by performing a variety of valuable services such as drug, bomb, and arson detection; and tracking to locate missing persons or fugitives.
- Hundreds of Police K-9s contribute to our national security and protect the peace and security of communities.
- Anyone who injures or kills one of these valuable dogs ought to be held accountable.
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.