CT SB00123

Amends Connecticut General Statute Section 53-247 to increase penalties for intentionally injuring or killing police animals and volunteer canine search and rescue dogs from a class D felony to a class C felony.

Applies enhanced penalties when a person intentionally injures or kills an animal performing duties under supervision of a peace officer, or a dog in a volunteer canine search and rescue team performing duties under supervision of an active team member.

Eliminates a previous separate offense provision for intentionally killing such animals that carried penalties of up to $10,000 in fines or 10 years imprisonment, consolidating it into the class C felony charge.

Takes effect on October 1, 2021 and was referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Security with a Joint Favorable recommendation.