CT SB00246

Dog owners or keepers are liable for damage caused by their dogs to a person's body or property, unless the damage occurred while the person was trespassing, committing a tort, or teasing/tormenting the dog.

A child under seven years old is presumed not to have been committing trespass or abusing the dog at the time of injury, and the defendant bears the burden of proving otherwise.

"Property" is expanded to include companion animals, with damages including veterinary care expenses, fair monetary value of the animal, and burial expenses.

Owners must report livestock damage (sheep, goats, horses, hogs, cattle, poultry, rabbits) to the town's chief administrative officer within 24 hours, with damage estimates including veterinary care and burial expenses.

Effective date for both amendments is October 1, 2012.