CT HB06504

Replaces terminology of "destroyed" with "humanely euthanized" throughout animal welfare statutes and requires euthanization be performed by licensed veterinarians.

Expands animal control officer authority by allowing any animal control officer or regional animal control officer (not just commissioners) to intervene in animal cruelty cases and establish temporary care and custody proceedings.

Establishes an "animal abuse cost recovery account" funded by sales of seized animals, available to the Commissioner of Agriculture for housing and care of seized animals and municipal reimbursement (up to $25,000 annually) for temporary care exceeding 30 days.

Increases penalties for animal importers and shelter operators violating veterinary examination requirements: $250 for first violation and $500 for subsequent violations per animal (previously $500 flat).

Adds definition of "service animal" to include animals in training, expands veterinary telemedicine provisions, and allows rabies quarantine reduction from 6 to 4 months with proof of vaccination within 96 hours of exposure.