Conn. Senate OKs police workers’ comp for stress from using deadly force against mammals

Conn. Senate OKs cop workers’ comp in animal cases

HARTFORD, Conn. — The Connecticut Senate has approved a bill allowing police officers to seek workers’ compensation for stress after using deadly force on mammals.

The bill stems from the police killing of a 200-pound pet chimpanzee named Travis that went on a rampage in Stamford last year and mauled Charla Nash, a friend of the animal’s owner.

Senators passed the measure 29-4 on Wednesday. It now awaits House action.

Stamford Police Officer Frank Chiafari (chee-uh-FAHR’-ee), who shot the animal, told lawmakers he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after the harrowing experience but his claim for workers’ compensation coverage was denied.

Under current state law, an officer can receive mental or emotional impairment benefits after using deadly force against a human being but not an animal.