CT HB05367

Requires the Commissioner of Agriculture to convene a working group by July 1, 2018, to develop legislative recommendations on preventing domestic animal attacks and reducing impacts of animal disposal orders on municipalities and the state.

Working group shall develop recommendations to reduce attacks by domestic animals resulting in death or serious injury and to shorten the appeal process for animal control officer disposal orders while maintaining due process protections.

Working group composition includes the Commissioner of Agriculture, State Veterinarian, representatives from animal control organizations, American Kennel Club, dog bite victim organizations, Connecticut Humane Society, ASPCA, three municipal officials (from municipalities of varying population sizes), insurance industry representative, Attorney General's office representative, police and fire department representatives, an emergency trauma physician, and Connecticut state police representative.

Working group shall hold at least two public forums as part of its work.

Commissioner shall submit working group recommendations to the joint standing committee having cognizance of environmental matters on or before January 1, 2019.