Animal Welfare Laws Revisited By Fairfield Officials After Dog's Treatment Sparks Protests

FAIRFIELD, CT — Advocates are working with state and local officials to improve animal welfare protections in Fairfield following concerns about the living conditions of a pet in town.

In recent weeks, protesters gathered outside the home of Bailey the dog after authorities were contacted about the animal living outdoors on a property in the 200 block of Sherwood Farm Road. Police visited the residence multiple times, found no laws were broken and closed the case.

Bailey’s situation has led some to push for clearer laws regarding the treatment of pets. Connecticut law dictates owners must provide "protection from the weather," but does not offer specifics.

“My frustration has always been that every town seems to interpret the laws differently,” said Julie Loparo, president of the Westport Animal Shelter Advocates and a longtime supporter of strengthening the state’s animal shelter laws. Loparo has been in contact with Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick about the issue.

Kupchick is working with the town attorney to determine if Fairfield’s legislative body could pass a local ordinance with animal shelter guidelines that are stricter than those at the state level. In August, Stamford’s Board of Representatives passed an ordinance prohibiting pet owners from tethering dogs outdoors for more than 30 minutes unless a keeper is outside and in view of the animal, according to the American Kennel Club.

Kupchick said she has been been in contact with Chief of Police Robert Kalamaras since the complaints about Bailey began and that the dog has been found to be in good health and untethered.

“I want to be very clear that as first selectwoman, I do not have the authority to remove a dog from a family. If there were a violation of state law, appropriate action would be taken by police,” Kupchick said in a prepared statement. “After hearing the concerns of residents, the owners have reported to police they will bring the dog in the house at night and during cold or inclement weather during the day.”

Bailey’s owner did not respond to an email Friday requesting comment.

“The best path forward for residents who do not agree with the outcome, is to contact their elected representatives in the Connecticut legislature to advocate for changes to the animal welfare laws,” Kupchick said in the statement.

Fairfield resident and state Rep. Laura Devlin, R-134, said she had received various proposals from concerned parties. Devlin is a member of the Animal Welfare Caucus, which will discuss options and submit the legislation, likely in January, to a committee for a hearing.

“We’re still early in the process,” Devlin said, adding the caucus will be looking to engage community members in the conversation going forward.

The General Assembly returns to session in February.