Connecticut Breed Restrictions Law: Statewide Animal Ordinances Rules (2026)

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

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?

No. Section 22-339d expressly forbids municipalities from regulating dogs based on breed, type, or physical characteristics. Any such local ordinance is unenforceable under state preemption law.

Can my dog still be declared dangerous in Connecticut?

Yes, but only based on the individual animal's behavior. Animal control officers conduct case-by-case determinations under Sec. 22-358 considering bites, attacks, or threatening conduct, not breed.

Connecticut Preempts Municipal Dog Breed Bans Statewide

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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