Connecticut Dog Bite Laws

In 2022, dogs harmed roughly 5,300 workers for the U.S. Postal Service. Sixty-seven of those incidents are from Connecticut. Of the towns in Connecticut, Waterbury had nine cases, Bridgeport and New Haven had five incidents each, and Danbury had four.

The American Veterinary Medical Association states that dog bites represent a major health concern for the general public. In the U.S., dogs attack around 4.5 million people annually, of whom over 800,000 require medical attention. 

Based on this evidence, it sure appears that knowing the right information about legislation on dog bite cases is essential when you find yourself caught in this kind of situation. This page provides an overview of Connecticut dog bite laws, your responsibilities as a dog owner, your liability after your dog bites someone, and the criminal and civil penalties for dog bite incidents. In addition, it discusses how to manage and report a dog bite case so that you or a loved one can get compensation for your injuries.

Dog Owner Responsibilities in Connecticut

Dogs that are deemed dangerous or bothersome are prohibited in Connecticut. It is imperative to take preventative action to avoid mishaps, injuries, and disputes when owning a dog. The following are some important duties for dog owners in Connecticut:

• The dog must be properly licensed and registered and should wear a collar with an up-to-date ID tag bearing the owner's contact details.

• The dog needs to be up to date on all of its vaccines.

• The dog has to be trained to comply with basic commands and appropriate behavior while socializing.

Because the dog's owner or keeper is accountable for any damage their pet causes, a dog owner's responsibilities include using leashes and keeping their dog from roaming or wandering. In Connecticut, it is against the law for a dog to roam free and cause a commotion by biting, growling, or disturbing people. Dogs are not required to wear leashes at all times, but they still need to be under enough control to stay off of other people's property and the road. 

Since the 88th governor of Connecticut, Dannel P. Malloy, signed a measure prohibiting Connecticut towns and cities from enacting breed-specific regulations, there has been no legislation banning particular dog breeds in the state. As a result, Connecticut towns and cities are not allowed to outlaw or single out any certain breed, like pit bulls.

Liability Standards in Connecticut Dog Bite Cases

Connecticut has implemented a strict liability rule for claims involving dog bites or attacks. As per this rule, the person harmed does not have to show that the attack originated from the owner's carelessness, like not attaching the dog's leash or failing to safeguard the property. All they have to do is demonstrate that the defendant is accountable for the harm. This does not, however, provide the victim with an automatic right to compensation if a dog bites them or causes damage to their property.

Under Connecticut Code Chapter 435 Section 22-357, if the victim was committing a tort, such as trespassing, or if they were taunting, assaulting, or abusing the dog, the owner is not responsible for any harm caused by their pet. However, if the victim was a kid under the age of 7 at the time of the dog bite or assault, the law presumes that the minor was not committing a trespassing or provocation offense. Hence, it will be on the defendant to provide evidence to prove the child's actions before the incident.

A victim cannot sue the handler of a law enforcement officer’s dog unless they can demonstrate with proof that the handler should have had complete control of the dog at the time the attack happened.

Statute of Limitations in Connecticut for Dog Bite Cases

In Connecticut, a dog bite case needs to be initiated within three years following the day of the incident. This dog bite statute may not, however, apply in every situation or to every defendant. For instance, a case against a landlord or any other non-owner/non-keeper of the dog must be initiated two years after the incident date.  

It is imperative for a plaintiff to pursue a dog bite lawsuit in Connecticut as soon as possible. Neglecting to do so may result in them losing their opportunity to pursue compensation.

Civil Penalties for Dog Bites in Connecticut

Procedures When Handling the Dog in Question

According to Connecticut's dog bite statutes, a dog that has bitten someone, whether on or off the owner's property, must be quarantined by an animal control officer. The dog must spend 14 days in quarantine at a public pound, kennel, vet clinic, or any other location designated by the Department of Agriculture commissioner. The dog will be quarantined for animal control officers to check for rabies and assess its behavior. 

The commissioner or an animal control officer may issue any directives they see fit regarding the disposal or restraint of the biting animal. The dog owner must be informed of the directive within a day. If anyone disagrees with the animal control officer's order, they have 14 days from the date of order issuance to obtain a hearing before the commissioner. Following the hearing, the commissioner has the option to uphold, amend, or cancel the order.

Penalties for the Dog Owner

When a dog bites someone and needs to be quarantined, the owner is responsible for covering the entire expenses of the animal’s care and impoundment. The fees will be established by the municipality that has taken the pet. If the owner of an impounded dog does not retrieve their pet within 120 hours after being notified, they will be charged with an infraction.

Criminal Penalties for Dog Bites in Connecticut

To guarantee adherence to a quarantine or restraining order, animal control officers in Connecticut have the authority to seize dogs. The owner or keeper is liable for any costs incurred during the seizure. Owners who disobey an order can be found guilty of a class D misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of $250 in fines, up to 30 days in jail, or both.

If a dog is considered dangerous or irritating, the courts in Connecticut may impose any necessary orders to confine or dispose of the animal. According to the law, it is illegal to own or maintain a dog that routinely does the following:

• Wanders a highway and agitates people or domestic animals by growling, biting, or snapping at them. 

• Chases or disrupts any motor vehicles. 

A first offense is considered an infraction, while subsequent offenses are class D misdemeanors. 

Reporting and Handling Dog Bite Incidents

In the event that you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Connecticut, there are several actions you can take to ensure that you are safe, protect your legal rights, and obtain the damages you are due. They are the following:

1. Get Medical Help - In the event that the dog bite causes any kind of skin disruption that results in a puncture, rip, or laceration, or if the bite is causing you any pain or suffering, you should consult a doctor. Dog bites can result in infections and other problems, so even if the wound appears superficial, it is crucial to have it examined by a medical expert. 

2. Report the Incident - In Connecticut, you have 24 hours to report a dog bite to the authorities, like the police department or local animal control officer. This ensures that the dog is appropriately isolated and watched for any indications of rabies immediately after the incident.

3. Obtain Information - Try to learn as much as you can about the incident, such as the owner's name and contact details, as well as the dog's size, breed, and behavior. Additionally, take pictures of the dog and the incident scene.

4. Speak with a Dog Bite Attorney - It is critical that you get in touch with a dog bite lawyer if you are bitten by a dog in Connecticut. A lawyer can advise you on the legal steps you can take and avoid taking actions that can jeopardize your case.

How to Find a Dog Bite Attorney in Connecticut

To find a lawyer that will meet your legal needs, you can look for a Connecticut dog bite attorney near you online and ask them for a free assessment of your case. Those who are represented by attorneys have higher chances of a better net recovery. This also means that victims who have retained a dog bite attorney tend to receive greater and more fair compensation than those who have not.

Other Resources for Dog Bite Victims in Connecticut

Animal Control Department of Town of Essex, Connecticut

The Essex Animal Control Department's goal is to offer affordable, efficient animal control services to Essex residents by actively enforcing local and state regulations and encouraging ethical pet ownership and animal care. The principal aim of the animal control officer is to maintain a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals by offering animal services to the communities in and around Essex.

Contact Information
Phone number: 860-391-7127
Email: cfountain@essexct.gov           
Address: Public Works, 1 Dump Road, Essex, CT

Animal Control Unit of Town of Monroe, Connecticut

The Animal Control Unit is a branch of the Monroe Police Department. The Chief of Police works with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to appoint and oversee the officers in this unit. The Unit looks into all domestic and wild animal-related calls. Animals that pose a risk to the public's health or safety are taken from the population humanely. When a young wild animal is discovered abandoned, they take it to a state-licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility. The Unit also seizes stray, unlicensed, roaming pets and animals found injured on the road and brings them to the impoundment facility.

Contact Information
Phone number: 203-452-3760
24-hour non-emergency number: 203-261-3622
Fax: 203-261-4769
Email: erisko@monroectpolice.com
Address of Monroe Police Department: 7 Fan Hill Road, Monroe, CT
Address of dog pound: 447 Purdy Hill Road, Monroe, CT

Connecticut Humane Society

As the state's oldest and most extensive animal protection organization, the Connecticut Humane Society provides care for thousands of pets each year. CHS is a nonprofit organization that operates independently. It is not connected to any national animal welfare organizations and does not get any money from the government. The only sources of income for the pets are donations and the volunteers' kindness and assistance. CHS provides various animal services, such as healthcare, training or education, adoption programs, and prevention of cruelty.

Contact Information
Phone number: 800-452-0114
Email: info@cthumane.org