CT HB06016

Requires municipal animal shelters and dog pounds to register with the Commissioner of Agriculture and comply with sanitation, disease prevention, and humane treatment regulations, effective October 1, 2019.

Establishes a $50 registration fee for animal shelters and dog pounds, renewable biennially by December 31st, with zoning enforcement certification required for initial applications.

Applies the same regulatory standards and inspection authority to municipal shelters and dog pounds as existing private commercial kennels, pet shops, grooming facilities, and training facilities.

Authorizes the commissioner to inspect facilities, issue fines up to $500 per animal for violations, issue corrective orders, quarantine premises, and revoke or suspend registrations for non-compliance.

Defines "animal shelter or dog pound" as any municipality or private entity operating a building or facility used solely to house homeless animals for rescue or adoption purposes, excluding private residences.