Connecticut House Bill HB05323

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/12
• Refer: 2/27/12

Caption

An Act Concerning Biting Dogs.

Impact

The legislation modifies subsection (c) of section 22-358 in the general statutes, effective from October 1, 2012. By granting animal control officers the ability to mandate training programs or create physical barriers for dog containment, the bill intends to improve community management of potentially dangerous pets. The revisions could lead to a decrease in the number of dogs automatically quarantined, allowing more pets to remain with their owners while still prioritizing safety.

Summary

House Bill 5323 addresses the issue of dog bites through modifications to existing laws regarding animal control. The bill introduces more flexible responses for officials in incidents involving attacking or biting dogs. It allows for various corrective actions, including the option for dog owners to enroll their pets in obedience training rather than immediate quarantining. This aims to provide alternatives to simply restraining animals, focusing instead on correcting behavior and ensuring public safety.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to benefit communities by providing more reasonable solutions to dog biting incidents, it may also raise questions about enforcement and accountability. Critics might argue that offering options like obedience classes could inadequately address the risks posed by dangerous dogs if owners do not comply or if the training fails to modify the dog's behavior. The law's effectiveness will depend on the implementation by animal control officers and the community's response to these new provisions.