Connecticut § 22-351a - Liability for intentionally killing or injuring companion animal.
Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 22-351a — Liability for intentionally killing or injuring companion animal., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-351a. Liability for intentionally killing or injuring companion animal.
Sec. 22-351a. Liability for intentionally killing or injuring companion animal. (a) For the purposes of this section, “companion animal” means a domesticated dog or cat that is normally kept in or near the household of its owner or keeper and is dependent on a person for food, shelter and veterinary care, but does not include a dog or cat kept for farming or biomedical research practices.
(b) Any person who intentionally kills or injures a companion animal, except in defense of such person or another person or as otherwise authorized by law, shall be liable to the owner of such companion animal for economic damages sustained by such owner including, but not limited to, expenses of veterinary care, the fair monetary value of the companion animal and burial expenses for the companion animal.
(c) In addition to any economic damages awarded pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, and except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the court may award punitive damages in an amount not to exceed the jurisdictional monetary limit established by subdivision (1) of subsection (d) of section 51-15, together with a reasonable attorney's fee.
(d) The court shall not assess punitive damages and a reasonable attorney's fee pursuant to subsection (c) of this section against: (1) A veterinarian licensed pursuant to chapter 384 while following accepted standards of practice of the profession, (2) the state or any political subdivision of the state or any employee, officer or agent thereof while acting within the scope of such employee's, officer's or agent's employment or official duties, or (3) an employee of or volunteer for a nonprofit organization or nonprofit corporation organized and operated exclusively for the prevention of cruelty to animals or the protection of stray, abandoned or mistreated animals while acting within the scope of such employee's or volunteer's employment or duties.
(P.A. 04-239, S. 1; P.A. 21-197, S. 14.)
History: P.A. 21-197 amended Subsec. (c) to replace reference to Sec. 51-15(d) with reference to Sec. 51-15(d)(1), effective July 1, 2022.
Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 22-351a
What does Connecticut General Statutes § 22-351a cover?
Section 22-351a ("Liability for intentionally killing or injuring companion animal.") 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 § 22-351a?
A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 22-351a" (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 § 22-351a 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
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.