CT HB05503

Expands the definition of "the amount of such damage" for companion animals to include all training expenses for guide dogs owned by blind persons and assistance dogs owned by deaf or mobility impaired persons.

Maintains existing liability framework where dog owners or keepers are responsible for damages caused by their dogs, except when the injured party was trespassing, committing tort, or abusing the dog.

Establishes legal presumption that children under seven years old were not teasing or tormenting a dog when injured, placing burden of proof on the defendant.

Clarifies that household members of law enforcement officers are not presumed to be keepers of agency-assigned dogs, requiring plaintiffs to prove the household member had exclusive control of the dog at time of damage.