In 2025, there were nearly 200 animal cruelty cases in Connecticut.

Ten years ago, Connecticut passed “Desmond’s Law” a landmark animal welfare bill that allows attorneys to advocate for animals involved in abuse.

Animal abuse and neglect is complicated. Hoarding cases might start small, but getting out of hand very quickly. Local shelters can be a first line of defense against these situations.

Today, we get an update on animal welfare in Connecticut, from shelters and advocates around the state.

GUESTS:
James Bias: Executive Director at Connecticut Humane Society
Jessica Rubin: Associate Dean, J. Agnes Burns Professor of Law and Director of the Animal Law Clinic at the University of Connecticut
Cesar Perea: Associate Vice President of Rescue at the American Humane Society

In 2025, there were nearly 200&nbsp;<a href="https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2026/01/27/as-animal-cruelty-cases-rise-in-connecticut-advocates-push-to-elevate-starvation-to-a-felony/">animal cruelty cases</a>&nbsp;in Connecticut.
Ten years ago, Connecticut passed &ldquo;Desmond&rsquo;s Law&rdquo; a landmark animal welfare bill that allows attorneys to advocate for animals involved in abuse.
Animal abuse and neglect is complicated. Hoarding cases might start small, but getting out of hand very quickly. Local shelters can be a first line of defense against these situations.
Today, we get an update on animal welfare in Connecticut, from shelters and advocates around the state.
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li>James Bias:&nbsp;Executive Director at&nbsp;<a href="https://cthumane.org/">Connecticut Humane Society</a></li>
<li>Jessica Rubin:&nbsp;Associate Dean, J. Agnes Burns Professor of Law and Director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://law.uconn.edu/academics/clinics-experiential-education/animal-law-clinic/">Animal Law Clinic at the University of Connecticut</a></li>
<li>Cesar Perea:&nbsp;Associate Vice President of Rescue at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanhumane.org/">American Humane Society</a></li>
</ul>

Produced by Connecticut Public, 'Where We Live' puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines.  We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.

Produced by Connecticut Public, '<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/about">Where We Live'</a> puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines.  We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.

Where We Live is a call-in talk show about who we are in Connecticut and our place in the world.

Where We Live

Produced by Connecticut Public, '<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/about">Where We Live'</a> puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines.  We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.