CT HB07008

Amends Connecticut General Statutes Section 22-357 regarding dog owner liability for damage caused by dogs.

Creates a rebuttable presumption that household members of law enforcement officers assigned police service dogs are not "keepers" of those dogs under dog bite liability law.

Shifts the burden of proof to the plaintiff (person claiming damage) to establish that a police officer's household member was a keeper with exclusive control of the dog at the time damage occurred.

Applies to dogs owned by state law enforcement agencies, political subdivisions of the state, or the federal government.

Takes effect October 1, 2015.