CT HB06231

Municipalities and animal control officers are prohibited from euthanizing feral cats except when the animal presents a public health danger (such as rabies or other communicable disease) or when a licensed veterinarian determines euthanasia is the only humane option due to severe injury.

Animal control officers must consult with animal rescue or feral cat organizations when undertaking feral cat population control efforts to explore possible placement of cats with such organizations.

Persons convicted of animal abuse or neglect, or who enter nolo contendere or plea bargain on such charges, are barred from serving as animal control officers, effective October 1, 2025.

The Commissioner of Agriculture must convene a working group by July 1, 2025 to develop recommendations on mutual aid to animal control facilities, reducing custody time for seized animals, improving officer training standards, and establishing volunteer protocols, with a report due by February 1, 2026.

Municipalities may adopt ordinances requiring feral cat keepers to register with animal control, provide rabies vaccinations and sterilization, and may prohibit cat owners from allowing their animals to substantially damage others' property or cause unsanitary or dangerous conditions.