General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5393 seeks to modernize and streamline the dog licensing process in Connecticut by introducing several key amendments to existing laws. Notably, the bill allows dog owners to obtain licenses electronically through the Department of Agriculture, in addition to the traditional method via town clerks. The licensing frequency is changed from annual to every three years, with the initial license due by June 30th or when the dog reaches six months of age. The fee for neutered or spayed dogs is increased from seven dollars to fifteen dollars, while the fee for unneutered males and unspayed females remains at twelve dollars. Furthermore, 25% of each license fee collected will now be allocated to the animal population control account. The bill also mandates that dog owners submit a rabies vaccination certificate at the time of licensing and allows for temporary licenses for unlicensed dogs from pounds.

Additional provisions in the bill include the removal of the requirement for town clerks to issue licenses only after receiving a veterinarian's certificate for neutered or spayed dogs, thus simplifying the process. The replacement fee for dog tags is increased from fifty cents to one dollar, and licenses for service animals will be issued without a fee. The bill also outlines the financial management of dog licensing fees, requiring town clerks to deduct specific amounts before remitting the balance to the town treasurer, who must maintain a separate dog fund account. Penalties for late payments from town treasurers are established to ensure timely financial accountability. Overall, Raised Bill No. 5393 aims to enhance the efficiency of the dog licensing process while ensuring compliance with public health regulations, with new provisions set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 22-338, 22-339, 22-339a, 22-340, 22-345, 22-347, 22-349