CT SB00260

Increases penalties for dog owners who allow dogs to roam at large: first violation fine up to $350, subsequent violations up to $500, and third or subsequent violation within one year becomes a class C misdemeanor

Owners who know their dog has vicious propensities and allow it to roam at large causing physical injury to a non-provoking person face fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to six months

Livestock roaming violations remain classified as infractions, while dog roaming violations are upgraded from infractions to the new tiered penalty structure

Animal control officers may seek court injunctions from superior court to enforce roaming restrictions in addition to other legal remedies

Effective date: October 1, 2026