Animal Welfare Caucus Highlights 2026 Legislative Priorities to Combat Rising Animal Abuse & Strengthen Protections Across Connecticut

 Will Push for Companion Animals, Limited Use of AR, and Starvation as a Felony

HARTFORD, CT – The co-chairs of the CT Legislative Animal Welfare Caucus, State Representatives Kathy Kennedy (R-119), Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105) and Kerry Wood (D-29) along with the CT Animal Advocate Group Desmond’s Army released its legislative agenda for the 2026 Connecticut General Assembly session, outlining a comprehensive package of proposals to address the alarming increase in reported animal cruelty cases, including starvation and enhance protections for animals statewide.

 “Our furry friends give us unconditional love, comfort, and so much joy — and they deserve laws that reflect that bond. Strengthening Connecticut’s animal cruelty protections isn’t just good policy, it’s the right thing to do to safeguard the voiceless and show compassion for all God’s creatures,” said Rep. Kennedy.

Passed in 2016, Desmond’s Law allows court-appointed advocates to speak for voiceless dogs and cats in cruelty cases. Desmond’s Law has enhanced victim protection, informed judicial decisions, and increased awareness of the link between animal abuse and human violence. The time is right to expand Desmond’s Law in Connecticut to cover all companion animals, including birds, rabbits, and other household pets.” Expanding Desmond's Law to all companion animals would provide advocates in more cases, ensuring overlooked victims receive justice.

Additionally, legislators in attendance along with Desmond’s Army will call for legislation limiting the use of accelerated rehabilitation and other prison diversionary programs in cases of violent and egregious animal cruelty, while also calling for the elevation of animal starvation to a felony offense. A recent Desmond’s Army study of 533 Connecticut animal cruelty cases from 2016-2025 found.

• 85.8% of cases were charged as misdemeanors

• 68.8% of violent crimes were charged as misdemeanors

• 40% of animal victims were not dogs or cats

• 79.8% of violent crimes involved domestic violence

 “Limiting diversionary programs in violent cruelty instances and classifying starvation as a felony would deter abusers, preserve records for future oversight, and break cycles of violence that endanger communities,” said Zilla Cannamela, the President of Desmond’s Army. “Animal cruelty is a gateway crime to human violence. When animal crimes are addressed, our communities are safer.” 

As Rep. Kennedy said during the press conference, this legislative agenda comes as Connecticut grapples with a disturbing surge in animal cruelty incidents, highlighted by at least seven dogs found dead across the state in the first two weeks of 2026 alone.