Desmond’s Army to Hold News Conference Advocating for Expansion of Desmond’s Law
- Candace Bouchard
- Jan 26
- 2 min read
Will Push for Companion Animals, Limited Use of AR, and Starvation as a Felony
WHEN: Tuesday, January 27, 9:00 AM
WHERE: Room 2A, LOB, Hartford
WHO: Zilla Cannamela - President of Desmond’s Army, Roslyn Nenninger - Wolcott Animal Control Officer, Charles Farfaglia - Animal Advocate Attorney, Annie Hornish, Connecticut State Director, Humane World, State Rep. Kathy Kennedy - 119th, State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria - 105th
HARTFORD, CT – Just prior to a critical public meeting of the legislature’s Animal Welfare Caucus, and the start of a new legislative session, Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates will host a news conference to push for expanding Desmond's Law.
Passed in 2016, Desmond’s Law allows court-appointed advocates to speak for voiceless dogs and cats in cruelty cases.
Zilla Cannamela, the President of Desmond’s Army, said, “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.
Additionally, Desmond’s Army will call for legislation limiting the use of accelerated rehabilitation and other prison diversionary programs in cases of violent and egregious animal cruelty, while also calling for the elevation of animal starvation to a felony offense. A recent Desmond’s Army study of 533 Connecticut animal cruelty cases from 2016-2025 found...
• 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,” said Cannamela. “Animal cruelty is a gateway crime to human violence. When animal crimes are addressed, our communities are safer.”
This push comes as Connecticut grapples with a disturbing surge in animal cruelty incidents, highlighted by at least seven dogs found dead across the state in the first two weeks of 2026 alone.
ABOUT DESMOND’S ARMY:
Desmond’s Army is all volunteer, registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, and one of Connecticut’s leading voices on animal welfare. Its work includes courtroom monitoring, legislative reform, the funding of suspect apprehension rewards, animal medical and investigative expenses, and awareness and education on the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence. The work of Desmond’s Army has been recognized worldwide. Awards include 2019 SEEDS Award - International Society for Animal Rights, 2020 Mark Twain Excellence of Service Award, 2024 Connecticut Bar Association Citizen For The Law Award, 2024 Connecticut Municipal Animal Control Officers’ Association Volunteer of the Year Award, and 2020 and 2025 STARS Friends Of Animals Award.
MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Matt Caron
860.800.2023
I support all proposals. Animals have unconditional love - unlike humans who commit such horrific crimes. It is discusting and needs tougher punishment. Animals have feelings and add much to our lives!
I FULLY SUPORT ALL THE PROCSALS.