How New Milford Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide
New Milford maintains 37 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where New Milford falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Breed Restrictions
Connecticut prohibits breed-specific legislation under CGS §22-339d; New Milford cannot ban or restrict dogs by breed.
Key details: Breed Bans: Prohibited by state. State Law: CGS §22-339d. Local Ban: Not allowed. Regulation: By behavior, not breed.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
New Milford is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.
Exotic Pets
Connecticut bans private possession of potentially dangerous animals — big cats, bears, wolves and most primates — under CGS §26-40a. These restrictions apply in New Milford.
Key details: State Law: CGS §26-40a. Banned: Big cats, bears, primates. Permit: Qualified facilities only. Enforcement: CT DEEP.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. New Milford actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.
Dog Leash Laws
New Milford Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl) requires dogs to be controlled and not roam at large; Connecticut's roaming-dog statute CGS §22-364 makes it an infraction to allow a dog onto another's property or public spaces. The animal control officer enforces.
Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 4 — Animals & Fowl. Leash: Required off owner property. State Law: CGS §22-364. Enforced By: Animal control.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is legal in Connecticut; apiaries must be registered annually with the State Entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CGS §22-89 et seq.). New Milford regulates hive placement through zoning.
Key details: Registration: Required (CAES). State Law: CGS §22-89 et seq.. Local Rule: Hive placement via zoning. Status: Legal.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
New Milford is more permissive than most cities when it comes to beekeeping. That said, there are still limits.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, New Milford gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 2 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
All of the above reflects New Milford's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.