By Kathy Kennedy
State Rep., R-119
Kathy Kennedy
If you’ve ever had a dog greet you at the door after a long day or a cat curl up next to you on the couch, you know that pets become part of the family.
For me, it’s my cuddly cats Spencer and Sebastian. They give us unconditional love, and it’s our job to give them the care they deserve.
That’s why I’m honored to have been appointed to Connecticut’s new Animal Population Control Program Working Group. I already serve as a co-chair of the legislature’s Animal Welfare Caucus.
This new bipartisan group is bringing together legislators, veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, animal control officers and other experts to take a fresh look at how we can strengthen one of Connecticut’s most important animal welfare programs.
For years, the Animal Population Control Program has helped eligible pet owners, municipal shelters and organizations caring for feral cats by providing assistance for spaying and neutering. These services help reduce the number of unwanted animals, ease overcrowding in shelters and save taxpayer dollars by reducing the strain on local animal control services.
The problem is simple: the need has grown, but the funding hasn’t kept up to that need.
Our job is to figure out how to make this program stronger and operate for the long term. We’ll be looking at ways to create more stable funding, improve access to services across Connecticut and make sure the program is there when families and communities need it most.
We’ll also discuss ways to better respond to animal diseases and identify resources that can help domestic violence survivors find temporary care for their pets. For many victims, leaving an abusive situation is even harder when they’re worried about what will happen to a beloved dog or cat.
These are real challenges facing real people.
One thing I’ve learned during my time in the legislature is that the best solutions come from listening and bringing people together. I look forward to hearing from veterinarians, shelter volunteers, animal control officers, rescue groups and pet owners who work every day to care for Connecticut’s animals.
Whether you adopted your pet from a shelter, rescued a stray or simply believe every animal deserves a safe and healthy life, this work matters. Responsible pet ownership and effective population control help create healthier communities, reduce overcrowded shelters and give more animals the chance to find loving homes.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on this working group and to represent the voices of Milford, Orange and communities across Connecticut. Together, I believe we can build on a program that has already done so much good and make it even better for both our pets and the people who love them.