Stratford, CT Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Article V of Chapter 83 of the Stratford Code, adopted 9-9-2002 as Ord. No. 02-03, protects residents from vicious or dangerous animals, and § 83-17 says it does not nullify state regulations on vicious animals. Section 83-18 defines a vicious or dangerous animal through seven triggers, and none names a breed. They are a dog or other animal that has attacked, bitten or physically injured a human being without provocation two or more times; one that more than once approaches a person in a menacing fashion without provocation; a dog with a known propensity to attack people unprovoked; a dog that injures another animal without provocation; a dog bred, trained or harbored primarily for dog fighting or attacks on humans or other animals; a dog already declared vicious by the municipal animal control official; and any animal defined as vicious under C.G.S. § 26-40a. Under § 83-19, veterinarians, breeders and kennels, animal rescue organizations, legal entertainment entities, scientific research facilities, law enforcement animals, and an animal reacting to an unwarranted invasion of its habitat or the owner's residence are exempt.

Once an animal is classed dangerous or vicious, § 83-20 sets the rules. It cannot run free beyond the owner's premises, and off the premises it must be securely muzzled and restrained by a responsible adult. The restraint chain needs a minimum tensile strength of 300 pounds and a length up to six feet. Pens have to comply with zoning regulations, building regulations and state law. The owner must carry liability insurance of at least $50,000 naming the Town of Stratford as additional insured, certify it annually, notify Animal Control within 12 hours if the animal gets loose, and report any offspring.

Under § 83-21, Animal Control investigates and then can seize and impound the dog and impose citations and fines, or issue a warning with conditions. Any Town resident or municipal employee can report an animal under oath.