UPDATE: This bill is dead. It did not pass before the session ended. Thank you to everyone who worked to stop it!
UPDATE 4/25: The amended bill passed the Judiciary Committee and may go to the House for a vote before the session ends on May 5.
UPDATE 3/28: The bill just passed Committee but it was amended. The list of species in the bill text was edited. The good news is that it removed the “including, but not limited to” text. This means that now the bill is limited to the list of species listed in the text. It no longer includes ALL non-domesticated animals, but instead only the species in the classifications below. Here is the relevant new definition:
- “exotic or wild animal” means any Canidae other than a domestic dog, cetartiodactyla, crocodilian, elasmobranchii, Felidae other than a domestic cat, marsupialia, nonhuman primates, perissodactyla other than a domestic horse, pony, donkey or mule, pinnipedia, probocidea, ratites, spheniscidae or Ursidae
Here is the complete new text: https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022-CT-HB5293-amend.pdf
UPDATE 3/28: The bill just passed Committee with amendments and will go to the floor for a vote. We will post an additional update ASAP.
UPDATE: The Committee hearing is 3/28. You can watch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlBvCG2PiDo. This bill is 9 of 13 on the agenda.
UPDATE (3/8): A hearing was just scheduled for March 14 at 10:00 AM. You can register to testify (choice of Zoom or by phone) by clicking this link. Scroll down (near the top) and click On-line Testimony Registration Form (under PUBLIC HEARINGS and then ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 is the first listing). You must register by March 13 at 3:00 PM EST. LINK (): https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABulletin/Bulletin.asp
Email your written opposition to: envtestimony@cga.ct.gov
The agenda is posted at https://www.cga.ct.gov/2022/envdata/pha/pdf/2022PHA00314-R001000ENV-PHA.PDF.
UPDATE: At least one Connecticut lawmaker is misinforming those who are opposing this bill. He is replying and incorrectly stating that there is an exemption for educational programs. This is wrong! We are unsure if this is intentional in an attempt to stop opposition or if he is not well-versed at actually reading legislation.
Specifically, there is an exemption only for (the italicized text below is copied/pasted directly from the bill):
2) any environmental education program
BUT ONLY IF YOU QUALIFY AS A, B, OR C BELOW:
administered by any entity
(A) accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums,
(B) engaged in falconry in accordance with the provisions of section 26-67e of the general statutes, or
(C) permitted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Alert: Connecticut House Bill 5293 (HB5293) is another “traveling animal act” ban with broad-sweeping implications. HB5293 prohibits using most animals (see below) in mobile educational programs, which will include the outreach programs provided by many animal keepers. The stated purpose, “To prohibit the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling circuses.” is disingenuous and misleading as the consequences go well beyond circuses and the radical animal rights groups that write these bills know it.
This is a ban on educational programs in classrooms, public libraries, at Scout Troop meetings, and more. This is essentially a ban on taking non-domesticated animals anywhere besides the veterinarian.
BE AWARE: The stated list of animals does not matter! This program ban would cover ALL non-domesticated animals. Per the bill: “exotic or wild animal” includes any animal that is not domesticated, including, but not limited to… The animal act ban would cover not only the listed species but also ALL OTHER non-domesticated species because the phrase “but not limited to” is inserted.
Other definitions allow for broad interpretation (this is intentional). “Traveling animal act” covers any transportation of animals for a “performance.” Performance is defined to cover any exhibition, fair, display, etc. where an audience will be amused or entertained. People are entertained simply by seeing animals in person. “Mobile or traveling housing facility” is any form of transport vehicle, even cars. It does not matter if the programs are provided for free or charge a fee.
The only exemptions (and even those have limitations) are facilities with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), state-licensed permittees, specified falconers, and certain USDA-licensed academic/medical/research facilities. Please note that “environmental education programs” are only exempt if you qualify with an entity included in the above exemption list.
This bill is unnecessary, redundant, and a waste of Connecticut tax dollars. Animal welfare laws are already in place and measures like this bill only punish responsible citizens instead of actually penalizing criminals.
NOTE: It does not matter what legislators state as the purpose of the bill. They have been misinformed by the animal rights groups and that is why you must voice your opposition and educate them. Laws are not enforced by legislators and the enforcement officers must enforce the law as written.
The bill sponsors are below. You can find full contact details (phone, email, fax, etc.) for the sponsors by clicking a name below and then clicking his/her picture.
Rep. David K. Labriola, 131st Dist., Rep. David Michel, 146th Dist., Rep. Anne M. Hughes, 135th Dist., Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, 105th Dist., Sen. Derek Slap, 5th Dist., Sen. Will Haskell, 26th Dist., and Rep. Michael A. Winkler, 56th Dist.
The bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Environment. You can find Committee members at this link and then click “Committee Membership.” https://www.cga.ct.gov/env/
Sample Messaging
Remember to be civil and professional at all times!
Contact your Connecticut legislators: Just go to this link, type in your address, and then contact your Connecticut (state) Senator and Representative: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CGAFindleg.asp
Email list: Christine.Cohen@cga.ct.gov, Joseph.Gresko@cga.ct.gov, derek.slap@cga.ct.gov, Christine.Palm@cga.ct.gov, Craig.Miner@cga.ct.gov, Stephen.Harding@housegop.ct.gov, aimee.berger-girvalo@cga.ct.gov, Whit.Betts@housegop.ct.gov, patrick.callahan@housegop.ct.gov, brandon.chafee@cga.ct.gov, Mike.Demicco@cga.ct.gov, Patricia.Dillon@cga.ct.gov, Doug.Dubitsky@housegop.ct.gov, Craig.Fishbein@housegop.ct.gov, Kenneth.Gucker@cga.ct.gov, cindy.harrison@housegop.ct.gov, will.haskell@cga.ct.gov, Jack.Hennessy@cga.ct.gov, Maria.Horn@cga.ct.gov, Julie.Kushner@cga.ct.gov, David.Michel@cga.ct.gov, Mary.Mushinsky@cga.ct.gov, Tom.ODea@housegop.ct.gov, corey.paris@cga.ct.gov, johnmichael.parker@cga.ct.gov, John.Piscopo@housegop.ct.gov, Rosa.Rebimbas@housegop.ct.gov, geraldo.reyes@cga.ct.gov, Kevin.Ryan@cga.ct.gov, frank.smith@cga.ct.gov, David.Wilson@housegop.ct.gov, phil.young@cga.ct.gov, David.Labriola@housegop.ct.gov, Anne.Hughes@cga.ct.gov, Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@cga.ct.gov, Michael.Winkler@cga.ct.gov
Subject line:
NO to HB5293
Sample letter
Connecticut legislator,
Please do what is right for the animals and the State’s residents by stopping this bill again in 2022. As a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, I implore you to vote NO to House Bill 5293 (HB5293). Connecticut already has extensive animal cruelty and welfare laws. Enforce those current laws! HB5293 is yet another superfluous law that will not accomplish its stated purpose and is nothing more than a solution looking for a problem.
I also do not appreciate that a Connecticut legislator is misinforming people about this bill. There is not a blanket exemption for environmental education programs, as reported by at least one legislator. These programs are only allowed if the program is: administered by a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, engaged in falconry in accordance with the provisions of section 26-67e of the general statutes, or permitted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. While I would hope this misinformation by a legislator is unintentional, it seems to be intentionally misleading to deter opposition.
It seems HB5293 lacks research. The fact is that this legislation is unnecessary. Punish the “bad actors” and the criminals. No new law is needed to protect animals as Connecticut can already prosecute animal abusers.
Superfluous and redundant laws are becoming commonplace. Tax dollars and legislative resources are continually being wasted to propose duplicative laws. Even worse, collective punishment is becoming an accepted practice in our government. Instead of focusing on criminals, many new laws choose to punish good citizens.
This bill is far-reaching and rife with unintended consequences, including making criminals out of those dedicated individuals who responsibly conduct educational programs with animals. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. Please realize that HB5293 is illogical and unjust. Have a good day.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
MORE DETAILS
What to do:
- Call legislators;
2. Email legislators;
3. Fax and mail letters;
4. Attend hearings and voice opposition, if possible;
5. SHARE this and encourage others to complete the Alert!!!
Bill TEXT: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2022/TOB/H/PDF/2022HB-05293-R00-HB.PDF
Bill full details: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2022&bill_num=5293
