My name is Teresa H, and I am asking for your help to protect families from experiencing the trauma that my dog Kona and I are still living through.

Just weeks ago, my one-year-old dog Kona was violently attacked by a larger dog whose owner lost control. In a matter of seconds, everything changed. Kona suffered devastating injuries that required multiple surgeries and a long, painful recovery—and we are still not through it.

In that moment, instinct and adrenaline took over. I didn’t think about my own safety. I rushed in to save her, struggling to pull Kona from the other dog’s mouth and sustaining injuries in the process.

No pet owner should ever have to experience that.

But what has been just as devastating is what happened after the attack.

Under current Connecticut law, my dog—my family is treated as property. The owner of the dog that attacked Kona may be held financially responsible, but there are no meaningful criminal consequences, no consistent preventive measures, and no assurance that this won’t happen again to another innocent animal—or even a child.

That is not enough.

This is not just about money. It is about accountability. It is about prevention. It is about protecting lives.

We need change.

We are calling for the passage of “Kona’s Law” in Connecticut, which would:

Establish criminal penalties for negligent and reckless dog handling
Require mandatory intervention after a serious dog attack to prevent repeat incidents
Strengthen leash and control laws statewide
Create a system to track dangerous dogs and protect communities
Recognize the emotional trauma experienced by victims and families

Other states are already moving in this direction with proposed legislation like “Penny’s Law” in New York. Connecticut must not fall behind when it comes to protecting its residents and their beloved pets.

Kona is still healing. We do not yet know the full extent of her recovery. But one thing is certain—this should never have happened, and it should never happen again.

Stand with Kona.

Stand for accountability.

Stand for prevention.

Sign this petition to urge Connecticut lawmakers to pass Kona’s Law and better protect pets and families across our state.

Sincerely,

Teresa H.

(on behalf of Kona and every pet who deserves protection)