Puppy love was in the air at the state Capitol Wednesday, as several furry friends were on hand to draw attention to two bills aimed at improving animal welfare.

State Representatives Dorinda Borer (D-West Haven) and Craig Fishbein (D-Middlefield, Wallingford) held a news conference to push improvements to animal shelters and cracking down on animal cruelty.

"Protecting those who cannot protect themselves is one of our top priorities in the Legislature,” said Fishbein.

One of the bills would upgrade standards for municipal animal shelters.

“These very basic shelter components that have already been addressed with nonprofit shelters, but municipal shelter standards have not been updated since 1963,” said Connecticut Humane Society executive director James Bias.

The bill would force shelters to keep the temperature between 55 and 80 degrees, provide adequate space for cats and dogs and isolate animals suspected of being sick. It would also address issues such as unsanitary conditions, separating animals that are incompatible and strengthening the reporting of violations.

“They're really not opposed by anybody,” Bias told News 12. “I think most shelters in Connecticut meet those standards, but there's some bad actors out there that will only make changes if they're legislatively required to.”

The second bill targets animal abusers. Under that one, anyone convicted of animal cruelty would be banned from working with, volunteering with or owning another pet for five years. The bill would also require veterinarians to report suspected dog fighting, and it would enhance the state's definition of bestiality.

“Acts of animal cruelty are acts of violence that should be taken very seriously. They are a marker for future violent crimes and have a strong link to other family violence,” Borer said. “We read the stories and disturbing details and the public is outraged, and we as legislators are equally outraged. It is upon us to put laws in place that protect innocent, defenseless animals and hold those responsible for these cruel acts.”

Jo-Anne Basile, executive director of CT Votes for Animals, an advocacy organization that pushes for legislation to improve animals’ lives, told News 12 that Connecticut hasn’t been as progressive on animal cruelty laws as other states, but these bills are a big step forward.

“We've been working on these issues for a while now and to see them gain the kind of focus and attention and support, it's wonderful,” Basile said. “And it will be better when they get passed into law.”

The shelter bill passed through the house Wednesday and will head to the state Senate next. The animal cruelty bill is expected to hit the House floor within a week or so.