CT HB05446

Pounds must collect $45 from persons purchasing or adopting unspayed or unneutered dogs and cats, with funds paid quarterly into the animal population control account.

Pounds may either provide a sterilization and vaccination voucher to the adopter or retain and submit the voucher to a veterinarian before releasing the animal; vouchers expire 60 days after purchase or adoption unless the animal is medically unfit for surgery.

Persons serving as state, regional, or municipal animal control officers on or after July 1, 2012 must complete an 80+ hour training program covering topics including animal identification, state laws, animal health, humane care, shelter standards, and animal cruelty documentation.

The commissioner must prescribe training standards and curriculum by July 1, 2012, and shall reimburse trainees for program costs from the animal population control account.

Animal control officers must complete a minimum of 6 hours of continuing education annually; the animal population control account may use funds for training reimbursement in addition to program implementation and administration costs not exceeding $225,000 per year.