Officials study animal care options and disease control rules

The Agriculture Commissioner, working with the Office of Victim Services, must study the need for companion-animal placements for domestic violence victims. The study covers available temporary or permanent placement resources, possible contact people, and whether a 24-hour phone or electronic line is feasible for victims who need someone else to care for their companion animal. The study takes effect October 1, 2026. The commissioner must send findings and any recommendations to the environment committee by January 1, 2027.

The State Veterinarian may issue orders to prevent disease from spreading among animals and poultry, and may protect the public from diseases that can pass to people. The authority covers diseases transmissible to people directly or through animal products. This provision takes effect October 1, 2026.

The Agriculture Commissioner must convene a department working group to study the animal population control program and recommend improvements, including ways to make its funding more stable. The group includes the commissioner or designee, Connecticut Humane Society leadership or designee, representatives of animal welfare, veterinary, and animal control officers' organizations, and any other members the commissioner finds necessary. This requirement took effect upon passage. The commissioner must convene the group by July 1, 2026, and send its recommendations to the environment committee by January 1, 2027.