Committee advances concept letting towns ban sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops after divided debate

The Planning and Development Committee took up Concept 2, an act authorizing municipalities to prohibit the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops, and voted to raise the concept for public hearing after a divided debate.

Representative Anthony Dubitsky (first speaking at the committee under Speaker 9) said the committee has considered similar bills repeatedly and that forcing pet-shop owners to come and “argue for their own existence” is unfair. "I certainly will be opposing it again," he said. Dubitsky warned the concept could drive the remaining small pet shops out of Connecticut.

The chair replied that this year's approach differs from earlier proposals: "This year, it's actually an option," the chair said, adding the change was intended to give towns the choice to decide locally. The chair also said some pet-shop owners relocated to Connecticut after New York enacted a ban, increasing the number of such businesses in the state.

Senator Gordon said he would move the concept forward for discussion and hear both sides, though he did not commit to a final vote on any drafted bill.

A roll-call to raise Concept 2 was conducted; multiple members' votes were recorded in the transcript (see action record). The concept was raised for a public hearing; final policy effects will depend on drafted statutory language and subsequent action.

Next steps: the concept will be drafted as needed and scheduled for public hearing; interested stakeholders were asked to prepare testimony for committee consideration.