Tolland Legislator Barks at Current Dog Licensing System

HARTFORD — State Rep. Sam Belsito has brought a bill before the legislature that barks at the current dog licensing system.

Belsito, a Republican from Tolland, testified before the legislature’s Environment Committee on Monday. His legislation, H.B. 7210, would eliminate the need for residents to visit their town of city halls every year to license their dogs.

Belsito’s proposal would change the dog licensing timeline from every year to once every three years. He said that since dogs are required every three years to receive a rabies vaccination, they may as well be licensed at the same time.

“I understand that dogs must have a license, but the current regulations place an undue burden on dog owners and our town clerks,” Belsito said. “Linking the licensing of a dog with their required rabies vaccination will simplify the process and save dog owners money.”

As the law currently stands, each owner or keeper of a dog, 6 months old or older, must annually license their dogs between June 1 and June 30 or a penalty will be imposed at a rate of $1 per month per dog after June 30. Town clerks are required to send out a renewal notices by mail. The yearly licensing fee for a spayed or neutered dog is $8 and $19 for a dog not spayed or neutered.

H.B. 7210, An Act Providing Municipal Options for Dog Licensing, now awaits action from the Environment Committee. The committee has until March 24 to move the proposal to the House floor for debate.

Photo Credit: House Republicans