CT SB00021

Repeals and replaces Section 3 of Public Act 14-205 to establish a task force studying humane treatment of animals in municipal and regional shelters, effective upon passage.

Task force shall consider seven areas: standards for humane animal treatment, education and training for animal control officers, animal abuse rules and penalties, tracking systems for convicted animal abusers, adopter evaluation standards, volunteer group responsibilities, and coordination frameworks between local organizations and shelters.

Task force composition includes the Commissioner of Agriculture plus 8 appointed members representing animal welfare advocates, police, animal control officers, judicial branch, veterinarians, volunteers, and local elected officials from towns of varying sizes, with appointments made within 30 days of effective date.

First task force meeting must be scheduled within 60 days of the effective date; no members receive mileage reimbursement or transportation allowances for attending meetings.

Task force must submit findings and recommendations to joint standing committees on local governments and environment by January 1, 2020, and shall terminate on that date or upon submission of the report, whichever is earlier.