The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 6218, aims to establish new qualifications for employment as an animal control officer or regional animal control officer in Connecticut. Effective October 1, 2025, the bill stipulates that individuals convicted of animal abuse or neglect, or those who enter a plea of nolo contendere or a plea bargain related to such charges, will be disqualified from serving in these positions. Furthermore, if an existing animal control officer is convicted of such offenses, they will be placed on unpaid administrative leave until all appeals are resolved.

The intent of this legislation is to ensure that animal control officers maintain a high moral standard and are capable of providing proper care for animals under their supervision. The bill introduces new legal language to enforce these qualifications while removing any previous provisions that may not align with this stricter standard of care.