Posted by Waste Happy
on September 10, 2026
Quick answer: Connecticut has no statewide pooper scooper law. Picking up after your dog is regulated city by city, and all three of the largest cities we checked have an ordinance requiring it. The highest set ticket among them is $150, in Bridgeport.
Why Connecticut leaves it to cities
Connecticut has no statewide dog-waste statute. CGS 22-364(a) makes it an infraction to let a dog roam at large on another person's land, or on a public highway without being attended or under control. Towns and cities set pickup rules under their general ordinance powers; CGS 7-148(c)(10)(A) caps municipal ordinance penalties at $250 unless a statute provides otherwise, and, when an ordinance is enforced by citation under that section, requires a written warning before the citation.
- Dogs roaming at large on land of another or public highway (infraction): CGS 22-364(a) (read it)
- Municipal ordinance penalties capped at $250; written warning before citation: CGS 7-148(c)(10)(A) (read it)
Pooper scooper laws in Connecticut's largest cities
Each row comes from the city's own municipal code. "Up to" is the most a court can impose, not a standard ticket. Where a city publishes no amount, we say so rather than estimate one.
| City | Ordinance | Fine | Must carry a bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | Bridgeport Code of Ordinances 6.04.040 (Allowing pet to defecate on public property unlawful); Ord. dated 1/2/01 (prior code 6-3), Ord. dated 2/2/09 | $150 | No |
| New Haven | New Haven Code of Ordinances Sec. 7-4; Ord. of 1-3-77, Ord. No. 1400 (1-3-2006), Ord. No. 1849 (11-8-2018) | Up to $250 | Yes |
| Stamford | Stamford Code of Ordinances Sec. 111-4 (Deposit of animal feces on city property or other property) | $100 | No |
The rule people miss: carrying the bag
In New Haven, the law does not just require you to pick up. It requires you to be carrying something to pick up with, so walking out without a bag can be an offense on its own even if your dog never goes.
A bag holder on the leash solves that for good. Ours is the Walk Dispenser, which clips on and holds a full roll.
Worth knowing about Connecticut
- Stamford's ordinance names dog walkers and pet sitters as responsible, and reaches condominium and co-op common areas.
- New Haven requires carrying a pickup tool in any public place, including beaches, and expressly excludes emotional support dogs from its service-dog exemption.
- Bridgeport's $150 flat fine applies only on public property.
Common questions
Is it illegal to not pick up dog poop in Connecticut?
There is no statewide law, but every one of the largest cities we checked has a pickup rule, and most smaller towns have similar ordinances. Check your own city or county code.
How much is the fine for not picking up dog poop in Connecticut?
It depends on the city. Bridgeport: $150. New Haven: Up to $250. Stamford: $100.
Do I have to carry a poop bag in Connecticut?
In New Haven, yes. The ordinance requires you to have a means of removal with you while walking your dog.
Are service dog handlers exempt?
In New Haven and Stamford, the ordinance exempts handlers who have a disability and cannot physically pick up. The exemption covers the handler, not the dog.
Other states in the Northeast
New York · Pennsylvania · New Jersey · Massachusetts · New Hampshire · Maine · Rhode Island · Vermont
See all 50 states · How scoop laws work in general
Sources
Checked 2026-09-10. Ordinances change, so if you are dealing with an actual citation, read the current code at the link rather than relying on this page.
- cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_435.htm
- cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_098.htm
- library.municode.com/ct/bridgeport/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT6AN_CH6.04ANCOREGE_6
- library.municode.com/ct/new_haven/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIICOGEOR_CH7AN_ARTII
- library.municode.com/ct/stamford/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH111PUSAANWE_S111-4
This page is general information, not legal advice.
