Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General Disappointed Lawmakers Failed To Approve Exotic Pet Ban

Date, 2009

"I am disappointed that lawmakers failed to pass my proposal to ban private ownership of dangerous animals in Connecticut. The tragic chimp attack, leaving the victim with severe, lifelong injuries, underscored the urgent need to carefully regulate and restrict private possession of wild animals. Unregulated ownership of exotic pets is a tragedy waiting to happen, and the state should act before another person is badly injured -- even killed. Wild animals belong in zoos or similar facilities under the care of experts -- not private homes where they could do harm.

"I will continue fighting for legislation banning dangerous animals."