Canine Rescue Teams

Gain Legislative Recognition

Bill 62 titled “An Act Providing Benefits and Protections for Canine Search and Rescue Members” was passed and made into law on May 5 with State Senator John McKinney sponsoring the bill.

State Representative Julia Wasserman also supported the bill, as did Bethel’s State Representative, Hank Bielawa.  

This act gives state and local Canine Search and Rescue teams the same protections that other volunteer agencies receive, including the right to leave a government job to answer an emergency call without losing pay.

The bill also extends protections to the canines with penalties given to those persons that would harm a search and rescue animal.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) in Connecticut has donated $35,000 to Connecticut Canine Search and Rescue (CCSAR). This money was raised by all the 55 federated clubs in Connecticut, including the Newtown Woman’s Club, over a two-year period. The money will be used to purchase a new rescue truck for CCSAR.