Connecticut's legislature convened last week and began taking on the weighty issues of guns and the state budget. But some lawmakers also want their colleagues to think about measures to help our family pets.
At least 10 bills have been filed so far that focus on animals, including one that would create a registry of those who abuse animals - similar to the state's sex offender registry - as well as another that would allow animal control officers to use emergency lights when transporting an animal for emergency care, according to the blog Capitol Watch.
Other measures related to animals being proposed this year include:
- A bill that would give legal immunity from lawsuits to those who volunteer to help animals in shelters.
- A proposal that the euthanization of cats or dogs be done in a "humane manner" by a licensed veterinarian.
- A bill that would allow towns to regionalize their animal control services and facilities.
- A proposal that would ban the sale of puppies or kittens from so-called "animal mills."
- A measure that would require social workers and health care providers to report instances of animal abuse.
