Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Libraries   Books

Connecticut Law About Dogs
These links connect to resources available and are provided with the understanding
that they represent only a starting point for research.

External Link - You are leaving the Connecticut Judicial Branch website This web page has many external links to valuable resources. Please view our Linkage Policy for more information.

See Also: Law About Comfort and Support Dogs for Witnesses and Law About Service Animals and the ADA

Research Guides

 Recent Public Acts and Current Orders
Research guides prepared by the Connecticut Judicial Branch law librarians:
  • Dog Law in Connecticut
    • Sec. 1 Control of Dogs in Connecticut
    • Sec. 2 Cruelty to Dogs in Connecticut
    • Sec. 3 Dog Injuries in Connecticut
    • Sec. 4 Service Animals
    • Sec. 5 Dogs as Pets

Office of Legislative Research:

Animal Cruelty

Breeders and Pet Shops

Dog Bites

Domestic Animals

Policies and Ownership

Service Dogs

Connecticut Case Law
  • Auster v. Norwalk United Methodist Church, 286 Conn. 152, 943 A.2d 391 (2008). The plaintiff commenced this action against the defendant seeking damages under the dog bite statute, General Statutes Sec.  22-357, pursuant to which an owner or keeper of a dog is strictly liable for any damage caused by the dog to the person or property of another. Specifically, the plaintiff sought to recover damages from the defendant as a keeper of the dog under Sec.  22-357.
 		 

  • Executive Order No. 7II (Extension of the Start Date for Imposition of a Late Fee for Obtaining Dog Licenses from July 1, 2020 to August 1, 2020; COVID-19 mitigation)

  • Public Act 17-12 - An Act Concerning Liability for Damage Caused by a Dog Assigned to a Law Enforcement Officer.

  • Public Act 17-102 - An Act Concerning Harassment of a Guide or Assistance Dog or the Handler of Such Dog.

Connecticut Statutes

  • Sec. 14-226 Operator to report injury to dog.

  • Sec. 14-272b Transport of dogs in pick-up trucks. Restrictions.

  • Sec. 22-327 Definitions. (2020 Supplement).

  • Sec. 22-329 Prevention of cruelty to dogs and other animals.

  • Sec. 22-332 Impoundment and disposition of roaming, injured or mistreated animals. Authority to spay or neuter unclaimed dog. Liability for provision of veterinary care to injured, sick or diseased impounded animal.

  • Sec. 22-333 Redemption of impounded dog, cat or other animal.

  • Sec. 22-338 Licensing of dogs. Fees. Rabies certificate. Exemptions.

  • Sec. 22-339b Rabies vaccination required for dogs and cats. Exemption from rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccination exemption certificate. Veterinarian appeal. Penalty.

  • Sec. 22-340 Town clerk to provide licenses and tags.

  • Sec. 22-341 Tag or plate to be attached to dog collar or harness. Cost.

  • Sec. 22-344b Pet shop required to have dogs and cats examined by veterinarian. Replacement or refund. Statement of customer rights. Penalty.

  • Sec. 22-345 License and tag for guide dogs for blind, deaf or mobility impaired persons.

  • Sec. 22-349 Unlicensed dogs.  Regulations.  Impoundment.

  • Sec. 22-350 Dogs as personal property.  Tax exemption.  Theft.

  • Sec. 22-350a Tethering dog to stationary object or mobile device. Prohibited means. Retention of other protections afforded dogs. Confining or tethering dog for unreasonable period of time. Fines.

  • Sec. 22-351 Theft, killing or injuring of companion animal. Penalty. Liability.

  • Sec. 22-355 Damage by dog to domestic animals or poultry.

  • Sec. 22-357 Damage by dogs to person or property.

  • Sec. 22-358  Killing of dogs doing damage. Quarantine of biting dogs, cats or other animals. Notice. Seizure. Euthanasia and examination of potentially rabid animals. Complaints by persons sustaining damage by dog to poultry, ratite, domestic rabbit, companion animal or livestock. Orders. Appeals. (2020 Supplement).

  • Sec. 22-362 Annoyance by dogs on highway.

  • Sec. 22-363 Nuisance.

  • Sec. 22-364 Dogs roaming at large. Intentional or reckless subsequent violation.

  • Sec. 22-364a Intentional or reckless release of domestic animal which causes damage.

  • Sec. 22-364b Control of dogs in proximity to guide dogs.

  • Sec. 54-86n. Appointment of advocate in proceeding re the welfare or custody of a cat or dog. Advocate's duties. Department of Agriculture to maintain list of eligible advocates.

 Connecticut Law by Subject