CT SB00963

Dog owners or keepers are liable for damages caused by their dogs, including economic damages sustained by injured persons, effective October 1, 2011.

Liability exceptions apply when the injured person was trespassing, committing a tort, or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog at the time of injury.

Children under seven years old are presumed not to have been trespassing or abusing the dog; the dog owner bears the burden of proving otherwise.

Property damage now includes harm to companion animals, with economic damages covering veterinary care expenses, fair monetary value of the animal, and burial expenses.

Livestock damage claims require reporting to the town's chief administrative officer within 24 hours and include veterinary care, fair monetary value of killed or injured animals, and burial expenses in damage estimates.