Connecticut Senate Bill SB00210

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/12
• Refer: 2/22/12

Caption

An Act Allowing Municipalities Completing A Survey Of Unlicensed Dogs To Keep A Larger Portion Of Dog License Fees.

Impact

Enactment of SB00210 would amend Section 22-347 of the general statutes, impacting state law related to the management of dog licenses. The bill is expected to foster greater financial resources for municipal animal control departments, allowing for better maintenance of dog pounds and more effective animal care. With a larger share of the funds being retained, municipalities would have improved capabilities to address issues surrounding unlicensed dogs, thereby reducing the overall number of unregulated pets within their communities.

Summary

SB00210 is an act designed to allow municipalities that conduct a survey of unlicensed dogs to retain a larger portion of the dog license fees collected. Specifically, under the proposed provisions, if a municipality surveys unlicensed dogs, it may keep up to eighty percent of the fees collected instead of the previously mandated fifty percent. This change aims to incentivize local governments to actively pursue the registration of unlicensed dogs, thereby increasing compliance with licensing requirements and enhancing animal control efforts in municipalities across the state.

Contention

While supporters argue that this legislation promotes local animal control initiatives and public safety, critics may raise concerns regarding the varying levels of enforcement and resource allocation among municipalities. There is a potential for disparities in dog registration across the state, with some municipalities better equipped to manage these funds and control local dog populations than others. Additionally, the bill does not specify how municipalities should use the excess funds, which could lead to differing interpretations and implementations at the local level.