Connecticut Statewide Rule
Connecticut Preempts Municipal Dog Breed Bans Statewide
Key Facts
- Preemption statute
- Conn. Gen. Stat. 22-339d
- Year enacted
- 2013
- BSL status
- Banned statewide
- Allowed regulation
- Individual behavior only
- Dangerous dog statute
- Sec. 22-358
Summary
Connecticut state law expressly preempts municipalities from enacting breed-specific dog regulations, prohibiting any city or town ordinance that bans, restricts, or regulates dogs based on breed alone.
Regulate and prohibit the going at large of dogs and other animals in the streets and public places of the municipality and prevent cruelty to animals and all inhuman sports, except that no municipality shall adopt breed-specific dog ordinances;
Full Breakdown
Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 22-339d, enacted in 2013, prohibits any municipality from adopting any ordinance regulating dogs based on breed, type, or appearance. Connecticut joined the majority of states in banning breed-specific legislation (BSL). Municipalities may still regulate dangerous dogs based on individual behavior under Sec. 22-358, but classification must depend on the specific dog's conduct, not breed. Animal control officers handle dangerous dog determinations through individualized hearings rather than blanket breed prohibitions.
Violations & Penalties
Municipal ordinances violating preemption are unenforceable and void. Affected dog owners may seek declaratory judgment or injunctive relief to invalidate any breed-specific local rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Connecticut towns ban pit bulls or other breeds?
Can my dog still be declared dangerous in Connecticut?
Sources
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