Bolinsky, Animal Welfare Caucus Unveil 2026 Agenda to Combat Rising Animal Abuse and Strengthen Protections Across Connecticut

Proposals Include Expanding Desmond’s Law, Limiting Diversion Programs, and Making Animal Starvation a Felony

HARTFORD, CT — State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-106), a leading advocate for animal welfare at the Capitol, joined members of the bipartisan Connecticut Legislative Animal Welfare Caucus, and animal protection organization Desmond’s Army to outline their 2026 legislative priorities, among those,  addressing the troubling rise in animal cruelty cases across the state.

The comprehensive agenda focuses on strengthening penalties for the most egregious acts of abuse, including elevating animal starvation to a felony offense, and limiting the use of accelerated rehabilitation (AR) and other diversionary programs in cases involving violent or severe animal cruelty.

A recent Desmond’s Army review of 533 Connecticut animal cruelty cases from 2016–2025 highlights the scope of the problem:

• 85.8% of cases were charged as misdemeanors;
• 68.8% of violent cruelty cases were charged as misdemeanors;
• 40% of animal victims were not dogs or cats;
• 79.8% of violent cruelty cases were linked to domestic violence;

“Animal cruelty is not a minor offense—it is a serious crime that often signals or is a precursor to deeper violence within a household or community,” said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky, a long-time per parent, and a leader in fighting elder-abuse in his policy-making role, as a Co-Leader of the Legislature’s Aging Committee. “When animals are deliberately starved or brutally abused, our laws must reflect the severity of that harm. We owe it to these voiceless victims to close loopholes, strengthen accountability, and ensure justice is truly served.”

The agenda also calls for expanding Desmond’s Law, landmark legislation passed in 2016 that allows courts to appoint advocates to represent abused dogs and cats in cruelty cases. Since its enactment, Desmond’s Law has improved victim protection, informed judicial decision-making, and increased awareness of the link between animal abuse and violence against people.

Advocates and lawmakers argue the time is right to expand Desmond’s Law to include all companion animals, such as birds, rabbits, and other household pets, ensuring that no abused animal is overlooked simply because of species.

“Every companion animal deserves protection under the law,” Bolinsky added. “Expanding Desmond’s Law beyond canines and felines just makes good, compassionate sense, reflects how families live today, and reinforces our commitment to preventing cruelty in all its forms.”