Connecticut Canine Search And Rescue

ALERT: CCSAR is currently working on legislation to provide for some of the same benefits that other emergency personnel receive under state law.  At the moment, Connecticut state law does not include canine search and rescue teams.

UPDATE:

SB62, An Act Providing Benefits and Protections for Canine Search and Rescue Members has passed!

At the close of this legislative session, SB 62 officially was voted through the Connecticut legislature. The provisions of the bill will take effect on October 1^st 2004. The bill provides the following:

• Allows volunteer canine Search and Rescue handlers to leave their municipal or state jobs to respond to a call without having their pay docked or benefits impacted.
• Permits Search and Rescue dogs into public places or on public transportation when in the custody of their handlers.
• Allows municipalities to provide a small tax exemption for active volunteer canine Search and Rescue members.
• Makes it a class "C" felony to assault a canine Search and Rescue handler during the course of their duties.
• Allows for punishment of up to 5 years and/or $5,000 for assault of a Search and Rescue dog, OR a police K9 when they are in the course of their duties.
• Increases the penalty for killing a police K9 from five to ten years and/or $10,000.
• Provides the same penalty for killing a Search and Rescue dog.
• Permits police officers to take part in peacekeeping missions without losing their jobs. 

CCSAR is very excited about the passage of this bill, and would like to thank the many friends, individuals, and organizations that came forward in support. Also, we wish to express our appreciation to the many legislators, aides, and clerks who actively participated in this endeavor.

At the Legislative Office Building
Standing with CCSAR handlers and K9s are
Woman's Club President Jean Brown, Rep. Bacchiochi, and Sen. Guglielmo

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