CT SB00318

State Veterinarian must establish 24/7 contact persons (accessible by phone, text, or email) to help domestic violence victims find temporary or permanent placement for their companion animals at rescue organizations, dog pounds, or animal control facilities

Contact information must be regularly updated and distributed to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence organizations, police departments, and animal facilities statewide

Clarifies State Veterinarian's authority to issue orders preventing the spread of disease (not limited to "contagious and infectious diseases") among animals and poultry, including diseases transmissible to humans

Commissioner of Agriculture must convene a working group by July 1, 2026 to study the animal population control program and develop funding recommendations, with a report due to the legislature by January 1, 2027

Working group members include representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Connecticut Humane Society, animal rights organizations, Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, and animal control officers