Connecticut § 20-205b - Euthanization of cat or dog by licensed veterinarian. Exceptions. Penalty. Defense.
Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 20-205b — Euthanization of cat or dog by licensed veterinarian. Exceptions. Penalty. Defense., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-205b. Euthanization of cat or dog by licensed veterinarian. Exceptions. Penalty. Defense.
Sec. 20-205b. Euthanization of cat or dog by licensed veterinarian. Exceptions. Penalty. Defense. (a) Whenever any cat or dog is euthanized, such euthanization shall be performed in a humane manner by a licensed veterinarian, provided nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the killing of any cat or dog while such cat or dog is attacking a person or another animal under circumstances where a reasonable person would consider such attack life threatening to a person or another animal or likely to cause serious physical injury to a person or another animal. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to apply to (1) the euthanization of any farm animal or livestock, (2) the euthanization of any cat or dog by any law enforcement officer in the course of his or her duties or as described in section 20-197, (3) the euthanization of any dog in accordance with the provisions of section 22-332b and regulations adopted under said section, or (4) the euthanization of any animal in a facility subject to regulation by the United States Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare or the United States Department of Agriculture.
(b) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(c) It shall be a defense to prosecution under this section that such person euthanized such cat or dog with a life-threatening injury or condition in order to prevent such cat's or dog's further suffering.
(P.A. 13-236, S. 1; P.A. 14-226, S. 4.)
History: P.A. 13-236 effective July 2, 2013; P.A. 14-226 amended Subsec. (a)(4) by adding “or the United States Department of Agriculture”, effective June 13, 2014.
Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 20-205b
What does Connecticut General Statutes § 20-205b cover?
Section 20-205b ("Euthanization of cat or dog by licensed veterinarian. Exceptions. Penalty. Defense.") is part of the Connecticut General Statutes, the codified statutory law of Connecticut. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Connecticut § 20-205b?
A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 20-205b" (Connecticut). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Connecticut law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Connecticut official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.
How does Connecticut § 20-205b apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Connecticut can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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