CT SB00921

Owners or keepers of dogs are liable for damage caused by their dog 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 minor under seven years of age is presumed not to have been committing a trespass, tort, or abusing the dog when damaged occurred; the defendant must prove otherwise.

"Property" now includes companion animals as defined in statute, and damages for companion animals include veterinary care expenses, fair monetary value, and burial expenses.

When dogs damage livestock kept in enclosures, the owner must report the damage to the town's chief administrative officer within 24 hours or the next business day if a Sunday or holiday intervenes.

Damage estimates for livestock claims must include veterinary care expenses, fair monetary value of killed or injured animals, and burial expenses; claims are denied if the owner keeps an unlicensed dog or fails to report timely.