Environment Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6504
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING ANIMAL WELFARE.
Vote Date: 3/29/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/3/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Rep. David Michel, 146th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
The Department of Agriculture (DOAG) request technical changes to ensure animals are
properly cared for and DOAG has the regulatory framework for enforcement.
Substitute Language LCO No. 5592
Section 1 removed definition of "Animal" and reference to poultry and any bird, amphibian,
fish or reptile offered for sale by a pet shop.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Brian Hurlburt, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture
HB6504 makes changes to regulations to update information for policy and enforcement.
Section 3 changes brings language changes to comply with federal policies for definition of
service animal.
Sections 4,5 and 8 change the definition from the Chief Animal Control Officer, any animal
control officer, or any municipal or regional animal control officer to statutes authorizing the
appointment of animal control officers.
Section 6 allows municipalities to create mutual aid agreements for animal control officers to
be temporarily assigned to their town, not to exceed 90 days.
Section 7 moves the approval process of creating Regional Pounds from the legislative body
to the board of selectmen, town council or other governing board. Regional Pounds need to
meet the same requirements as municipal pounds.
Section 12 changes the rabies quarantine period from 6 months to 4 months in accordance
with National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies
Prevention and Control Committee.
Sections 13 and 14 increases reimbursements for vets to spray/neuter pets and a funding
increase for the feral cat program.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Mary Mushinsky, Representative, CT House of Representatives
Requests an amendment like HB5452 to include the recognition of therapy dogs. Therapy
dogs are not service animals as defined under federal regulations, as service animals serve
one specific person with disabilities. Therapy dogs work in the community to assist groups of
people and are not emotional support animals. New York Department of Agriculture does
recognize and describe therapy dogs, this definition can be used in Connecticut.
Connecticut has an animal population control program, known as spray-neuter, under the
DOAG. The program has been successful in nearly eliminating euthanizing unwanted
animals. The current fees paid to veterinarians listed in statute is too low. Several
veterinarians have dropped out of the program because they are not fairly compensated for
their services. These fees should be updated to some recognized index.
Jo-Ann Basile, Executive Director, CT Votes for Animals
CT Votes for Animals (CVA) supports HB6504 to increase the funding increase available to
sterilize and vaccinate feral cats. The program has been very successful. HB6504 supports
an increase to veterinarian vouchers to offset the rate of inflation for continued participation.
Without the increase in funding, veterinarians will find it hard to continue participation. CVA
encourages the committee to review and consider lowering the mandatory $300,000 limit for
low-income vouchers. The $300,000 limit was reached six months early and cannot be re-
issued until the next fiscal year.
Annie Hornish, Connecticut Senior State Director, The Humane Society of the United
States
The Humane Society of the United States supports the reduction of the rabies quarantine
from six months to four months aligns Connecticut with best practices recommended. The
bill increases funding of the Feral Cat Grant program from 10% to 20% and of the Animal
Population Control Program increased funding.
Page 2 of 3 HB-6504
Connecticut Humane Society
Supports HB6441 apart from the use outdated municipal control facility regulations. The
legislation encourages the use of municipal regulations, last updated in 1963, if an animal
control program regionalizes and builds a new facility. Connecticut Humane Society requests
reference to building regional facilities be removed until new standards are developed.
Stacey Ober, Legislative Analyst and Community Outreach Coordinator, New England,
AKC Government Relations
The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports HB6504 for passage. AKC requests the HB6504
be amended to include Rep. Mushinsky's proposal to the state issuance of certified therapy
dog tags. Therapy dogs are important to helping people with a positive emotional effect. AKC
recognizes therapy dogs that are registered with therapy dog organizations that evaluate the
dog-handler team and training for certification to provide animal-assisted interventions. AKC
supports the identifying tag, at expense to the owner, indicating the dog's qualifications.
The Environment Committee received more than 25 additional testimonials in support of
HB6504.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Laura Simon, President, Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
Primary objection is to change the definition of "animal" per CGS 22-327. Making the
definition of animal apply only to domestic animals and pets apply in one section but not
another creates confusion and enforcement. The new definition of "animal" does not appear
to apply to wildlife. This causes confusion over language and intent of enforcement of animal
cruelty defined in CGS 22 Section 329. The purpose of CGS 22 Section 329 was designed
to protect all animals.
Euthanasia of domestic animals by veterinarians is understood by the Connecticut Wildlife
Rehabilitators Association (CWRA). If a wild animal is suffering, it is not practical to require
the services of a veterinarian, euthanasia may be necessary by police or animal control
officer. CWRA requests language clarification to allow euthanasia of wildlife.
Reported by: Steve Smith Date: 4//7/2021
Page 3 of 3 HB-6504


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 22-327, 22-329, 22-329a, 22-331, 22-331a, 22-332, 22-344f, 22-345, 22-364b
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 22-327, 22-329, 22-329a, 22-331, 22-331a, 22-332, 22-344f, 22-345, 22-364b
File No. 434: 22-327, 22-329, 22-329a, 22-331, 22-331a, 22-332, 22-344f, 22-345, 22-364b
File No. 751: 22-327, 22-329, 22-329a, 22-331, 22-331a, 22-332, 22-344f, 20-197
Public Act No. 21-90: 22-327, 22-329, 22-329a, 22-331, 22-331a, 22-332, 22-344f, 20-197