Allie-Brennan Co-Sponsors Bill Allowing Towns To Ban Pet Shop Sales

BETHEL, CT — State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan, D-Bethel and Danbury, has co-sponsored legislation that would allow municipalities to prohibit the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops.

According to a press release from his office, Raised H.B. 5283 is scheduled to receive a public hearing before the Planning & Development Committee on Friday.

“This issue is no longer theoretical,” Allie-Brennan said in the release. “Recent developments in Stamford, and in my own district of Danbury, demonstrate that municipalities are actively grappling with whether they have clear authority under state law. Right now, that authority is ambiguous.”

The bill would not create a statewide ban on the retail sale of those animals. Instead, it would authorize towns and cities to regulate or prohibit such sales if local officials determine it serves the public interest, according to the release.

Allie-Brennan said the Animal Rights Caucus discussed multiple legislative approaches, including a statewide prohibition, but cited the constraints of a short legislative session.

“This is not the state washing its hands of the issue,” he said. “It is about taking the step that can actually pass and create immediate impact. A statewide ban does not currently have the runway or votes necessary in a short session. This bill gives towns clear legal footing now, while we continue building support for broader action.”

The press release states that state agencies already regulate licensing, inspection and consumer protections for pet shops. The proposed legislation addresses whether municipalities have clear statutory authority to regulate or prohibit retail pet sales within their own jurisdictions.

“This is about clarity, consumer protection, and responsible governance,” Allie-Brennan said. “Families deserve transparency, and municipalities deserve clear authority under state law.”

Allie-Brennan is encouraging residents to contact their state representatives and state senators to co-sponsor the bill and support it at the public hearing. Members of the public may submit written testimony or sign up to testify through the Connecticut General Assembly website, according to the release.