Tolland Preparing For State Mandated Animal Control Requirements

TOLLAND, CT — Officials in Tolland are beginning to formulate a plan to bring the animal control facility pound into compliance with new state regulations.

Town Manager Brian Foley made the announcement in his latest report to the Tolland Town Council. The new regulations were adopted in late 2023 and take effect in January 2029, he said.

The regulations can be viewed here.

Areas addressed include:

• Impoundment requirements.
• Physical requirements.
• Pens and runs.
• Dog Pound Facility Requirements.
• Dog Pound Structure Requirements.
• Primary Enclosures and Exercise Areas.
• Ventilation.
• Lighting.
• Animal Health.
• Sanitation.
• Quarantined Animals and Isolation Areas.

"Tolland will need to make significant improvements to its existing dog pound to be in compliance by the state's deadline," Foley said.

In October, Tolland officials met with Willington officials to visit the existing pound facilities in Tolland and Willington. Contractor Gordian, which was also on the tour, will provide cost estimates for both improving the facilities to the new requirements and for replacing the facilities, Foley said.

"This cost estimate will be necessary to apply for funding," he added.

Also in October, town officials attended a shared services workshop hosted by the Capitol Region Council of Governments and they will be reaching out to other municipalities to gauge interest in joining Tolland and Willington in a regional shared animal control services, Foley said.