Theft, killing or injuring of companion animal. Penalty. Liability.

(b) Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be liable to the owner in a civil action, except that, if such person intentionally kills or injures any companion animal, such person shall be liable to the owner in a civil action as provided in section 22-351a . See Sec. 14-226 re requirement that operator of vehicle causing injury to or death of dog shall report the injury or death. Under previous law, no recovery could be had for negligently killing unregistered dog; early legislation reviewed. 79 C. 427. Action is in tort; statute need not be counted on. 80 C. 434. That dog killed did not wear tag is no defense; various matters as to kennel license considered. 84 C. 640. Effect of mistake of town clerk in registering dog in name of wrong person. 100 C. 128. To “unlawfully” kill, etc., means conduct which is wilful or so wanton as to be equivalent thereto. 127 C. 690. Cited. 139 C. 624. Owner of unregistered dog may recover at common law for its wanton and wilful killing. 18 CS 53. “Unlawfully” refers to conduct that is wilful or at least so wanton as to be equivalent thereto. 2 Conn. Cir. Ct. 466.