Bill Wadsworth's strong legislative achievements have been recognized in his recent endorsements, from his record of environmental support to key issues important to small businesses. Another group, the Connecticut Humane Society, recently thanked Wadsworth for his "involvement in two critically important pieces of legislation this past session.”
Gordon Willard, Connecticut Humane Society's Executive Director, noted that the group - with a network reaching thousands of Connecticut residents who have adopted animals – was grateful for Wadsworth’s “efforts in considering the public policy that impacts these members of our community.”
"My concern for the well-being of animal companions reaches back to my days growing up on the family farm," says Representative Bill Wadsworth. "I am also pleased that groups with varied interests can count on me. My 100% voting record on the floor of the Connecticut House of Representatives is the manifestation of my strong commitment to my constituents and my passion for their concerns."
Wadsworth voted in support of HB 5409, An Act Concerning the Possession of Certain Animals and Pet Shops and Consumer Reimbursement for Certain Veterinary Expenses and HB 5446, An Act Concerning the Payment Procedure for the Sterilization and Vaccination of Certain Dogs and Cats and Providing for Animal Control Officer Training.
The bills took effect October 1, 2012. HB 5409 institutes the right of an owner to keep an animal found to be ill up to 20 days after purchase and receive reimbursement for all the animal’s health care costs from the pet shop. HB 5446 allows pounds to complete and retain vouchers for the purpose of payments to veterinarians for the sterilization and vaccination of certain dogs and cats. It also establishes a requirement that new Animal Control Officers beginning on or after July 1, 2012 complete at least 80 hours of training.
