Substitute House Bill No. 6231 seeks to enhance the welfare of feral cats and improve animal control practices in Connecticut. The bill prohibits the euthanization of feral cats unless they pose a public health risk or are irreparably injured, and it mandates that animal control officers (ACOs) consult with animal rescue organizations when managing feral cat populations. Additionally, municipalities are allowed to adopt ordinances requiring the registration of feral cat keepers, who must ensure that these animals are vaccinated and sterilized. The bill also introduces penalties for cat owners whose pets cause property damage or unsanitary conditions, and it repeals existing laws that permit ACOs to impound and dispose of certain cats, potentially leading to cost savings for municipalities.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that individuals convicted of animal abuse or neglect cannot serve as ACOs, effective October 1, 2025. It requires the Department of Agriculture to form a working group by July 1, 2025, to develop recommendations for improving ACO training and protocols, including the use of volunteers in animal control facilities. This working group will include representatives from ACO organizations, municipal police, and animal rights groups, and is tasked with holding public forums and reporting its findings to the Environment Committee by February 1, 2026. Overall, the legislation aims to create a more humane approach to managing feral cats while enhancing the standards of animal control in the state.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 22-339d, 22-332d
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 22-339d, 22-332d
File No. 716: 22-339d, 22-332d