This year the budget deficit may dominate the debate at the state Capitol, but based on a brief search of hundreds of bills its clear lawmakers still love their animals.
Not unlike any other year lawmakers have introduced dozens of bills to protect their furry friends.
Perhaps the strangest one was introduced by Sen. Andrew Roraback, R-Goshen. His bill is titled “An Act Permitting The Importation of Reindeer”. A state law bars any one from bringing reindeer across state lines, however, this year’s 61st annual Christmas Village in Torrington wasn’t the same with out them. According to the Waterbury Republican American three of the foundation’s four reindeer died this summer.
There’s also “An Act Prohibiting Possession of Large Cats at Private Residences” introduced by Sen. Toni Harp, D-New Haven, “An Act Concerning A Pet Lemon Law” introduced by Sen. Ed Meyer, D-Guilford, and “An Act Authorizing the Creation of Trusts for the Care of Domestic Animals” introduced by Rep. Russ Morin, D-Wethersfield.
There’s also bills to prevent the abuse of elephants, one prohibiting the tethering of dogs, one establishing a pet lemon law, one regarding automobile insurance for guide dogs, and one regarding the reporting of abandoned animals.
There are also several similar pieces of legislation regarding many of these proposals.
