January 17, 2023

Rep. Klarides Proposes Animal Protection Legislation

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State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105) this session has introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at protecting domesticated and wild animals, including prohibitions on greyhound racing, the use of cruel leg-hold traps, and increasing regulations on traveling zoos. Rep. Klarides-Ditria also co-sponsored legislation to allow emergency medical responders to treat and transport police dogs injured in the line of duty.

“Protecting those who cannot advocate for themselves is an important part of our role in the legislature, and it’s imperative we make sure the animals of our state, whether wild or domesticated, are also protected from abuse or cruelty under state law,” Rep. Klarides-Ditria, co-chair of the legislature’s animal welfare caucus said.

The proposed bills, H.B. 5122 – An Act Prohibiting the use of Leghold and Body-Crushing Traps; H.B. 5123 – An Act Concerning the Use of Certain Animals in Traveling Animal Acts; and H.B. 5160 – An Act Concerning the Habituation of Black Bears have been referred to the Environment Committee.

House Bill 5042 – An Act Concerning the Operation of Greyhound Racing and Simulcasting of Out-Of-State Greyhound Racing in the State; and H.B. 5109 – An Act Concerning Emergency Treatment and Transportation of Police Dogs Injured in the Line of Duty have been referred to the Public Safety and Security Committee.

“The working dogs of law enforcement are more than just pets, they are an integral and active part of police work helping to keep our streets safe. I want to thank Representative Scott for his advocacy on this issue,” Rep. Klarides-Ditria said. “Making sure police dogs are able to receive the same emergency medical treatment as their human partners is the bare minimum we can do for their selfless dedication and service.”

Massachusetts recently passed a similar measure called “Nero’s Law,” which according to MassLive.com “is named after K-9 Nero, who was shot in April 2018 while serving a search warrant alongside Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Gannon.” Sadly, Sgt. Gannon was killed but Nero was saved after being rushed to an animal hospital in a police cruiser.

To see a list of bills Rep. Klarides-Ditria introduced or co-sponsored this session, please go to: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABillStatus/CGAMemberBills.asp?dist_code=%27105%27&dist_name=Klarides-Ditria,%20Nicole%20