My name is Teresa Hall, and I am asking for your help to prevent families from experiencing the trauma that my dog Kona and I went through.

 

Just weeks ago, while we were out walking, my one-year-old dog Kona was violently attacked by another dog. The dog’s owner was unable to control it, and in the chaos, the leash was released. In a matter of seconds, everything changed.

 

 Kona suffered devastating injuries that required multiple surgeries and a long, painful recovery. I was also injured trying to save her.

 

In that moment, instinct and adrenaline took over. I rushed in to pull her from the other dog’s mouth, without thinking about my own safety.

 

No pet owner should ever have to experience that.

 

But what has been just as concerning is what I learned after the attack.

 

 While Connecticut law (CGS §22-357) allows for financial liability after an incident, it does not provide consistent accountability or meaningful prevention. Even in cases involving severe injury, there are limited consequences when a dog has no prior history.

 

 This is a critical gap in the system.

 

In Connecticut, dogs are still legally treated as property. But for those of us who love them, they are family. The law does not reflect the emotional, physical, and financial impact these attacks have on victims.

 

 This is not about placing blame on one individual—it is about addressing a system that allows preventable incidents like this to continue happening.

 

I have since spoken with others who have experienced similar attacks, many of whom share the same concerns: lack of accountability, lack of prevention, and lack of protection for our communities.

 

This is not an isolated issue.

 

We are calling for the creation of “Kona’s Law” in Connecticut to strengthen existing laws and prioritize prevention, accountability, and community safety. 

 

Kona’s Law would:

 

 *Establish clear legal standards for negligent or reckless dog handling when an owner cannot maintain control

 

* Require mandatory evaluation and follow-up after any serious dog attack involving injury

 

* Implement enforceable consequences, including fines or restrictions, even for first-time severe incidents

 

* Require preventative safety measures when a risk is identified (such as training, containment, or control requirements)

 

* Create a system for tracking reported incidents to prevent repeat attacks

 

* Recognize pets as more than property by acknowledging the real impact on victims and families

 

This is not about punishing dogs—it is about responsible ownership, public safety, and preventing future harm.

 

Kona is still recovering, and while we are both healing from this traumatic experience, I cannot ignore how easily this could happen again to someone else.

 

 We cannot wait until the next attack to take action.

 

Stand with Kona. Stand for prevention. Stand for stronger protections in Connecticut. Sign this petition to support Kona’s Law and help protect pets, families, and communities across our state.