At the Capitol
Although Desmond's Army is not a lobbyist organization, we are committed to impacting animal welfare legislation. By engaging our members and supporters to contact their state and local legislators, we hope to influence laws governing legal proceedings against abusive behaviors toward animals.
2026 Legislative Priorities
Thousands of bills are introduced, but only a few hundred are passed into law every year. That is why it is so essential to make our voices heard.
This year, several animal welfare bills are being considered. Desmond's Army will focus on the following:
1. The expansion of Desmond's Law to include all companion animals at the Judge's discretion.
Passed in 2016, Desmond’s Law allows court-appointed advocates to speak for voiceless dogs and cats in cruelty cases. The law has been a landmark success and model for other states. Desmond’s Law has enhanced victim protection, informed judicial decisions, and increased awareness of the link between animal abuse and human violence. The time is right to expand Desmond’s Law in Connecticut to cover all companion animals, including birds, rabbits, and other household pets. Expanding Desmond's Law to all companion animals would provide advocates in more cases, ensuring overlooked victims receive justice.
2. Limiting the use of accelerated rehabilitation and other prison diversionary programs in cases of violent and egregious animal cruelty, and
3. Calling for the elevation of animal starvation to a felony offense.
• 85.8% of cases were charged as misdemeanors
• 68.8% of violent crimes were charged as misdemeanors
• 40% of animal victims were not dogs or cats
• 79.8% of violent crimes involved domestic violence
Limiting diversionary programs in violent cruelty instances and classifying starvation as a felony would deter abusers, preserve records for future oversight, and break cycles of violence that endanger communities. Animal cruelty is a gateway crime to human violence. When animal crimes are addressed, our communities are safer.
A recent Desmond’s Army study of 533 Connecticut animal cruelty cases from 2016-2025 found...
Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates works to encourage lawmakers to create new laws or strengthen old statutes regarding the treatment of animals. We do this by being a voice for the voiceless at the Capitol and in the courts.
During legislative sessions, we support the introduction of bills that positively impact animal welfare. Desmond's Army makes legislators aware of what we consider a priority and encourage voting in favor of proposed bills.
To affect change, it is essential you let your local representatives know what is important to you. A State Representative and a State Senator represent every Connecticut resident. We encourage you to learn about the legislative process and who you should communicate with.