Committee Bill No. 5112 seeks to enhance animal welfare by prohibiting pet stores from purchasing or procuring dogs, cats, and rabbits for sale or transfer starting October 1, 2025. The bill amends Section 22-344 of the general statutes, introducing new provisions that explicitly prevent pet shop licensees from acquiring these animals for auction, barter, sale, lease, or transfer. However, it allows pet shops to provide space for licensed animal shelters or humane societies to showcase animals for adoption, provided these organizations are tax-exempt and not affiliated with breeders. The bill also modifies existing licensing language, ensuring compliance with sanitation and humane treatment regulations, and establishes fines of up to five hundred dollars for violations related to the sale of these animals.

Additionally, the bill introduces new regulations for animal importers and shelters, requiring them to register with the Commissioner of Agriculture and pay associated fees. Importers must notify local officials before any public sale or transfer of animals, while shelters must comply with sanitation and humane treatment regulations. The bill clarifies the definition of "animal importer" and removes previous exemptions for certain importers regarding sales to licensed pet shops. It also mandates that pet shop licensees have dogs and cats examined by a licensed veterinarian before sale and maintain records of these examinations, with penalties for non-compliance. Overall, the bill aims to improve animal welfare standards and consumer protection in the pet retail industry while streamlining enforcement processes for environmental and municipal violations.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 22-344, 22-344b, 22-344d, 22-344e
GL Joint Favorable Change of Reference: 22-344, 22-344b, 22-344d, 22-344e