A ceremonial bill signing has been held by state officials to turn over more than 30 acres of land in Newtown.

The 34.44 acres of land will be used by the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation for an animal sanctuary named in honor of the 6 year old girl who was among the children killed at Sandy Hook School.  The land is located on the Fairfield Hills property.   

The legislation was officially signed in June by the Governor to transfer the state owned parcel.  The Special Act requires the Foundation to cover administrative costs of the transfer.

The Foundation has partnered with The Animal Center in Newtown to create the sanctuary and wildlife reserve.  Catherine's parents say the Sanctuary will reflect their daughter's compassion for animals by providing adoptive services for companion animals, refuge for farm animals and a native wildlife rescue and release service.  The plans also call for a learning center, educational programing, walking paths and butterfly gardens.

“This legislation honors Catherine’s deepest passion to love and protect animals of all kinds,” said Governor Malloy. “I am proud that the State of Connecticut is able to convey this parcel for the creation of an animal sanctuary in her honor. Catherine so strongly wanted animals to know her kindness.  It is beyond inspiring that her love and compassion for animals will live on through this sanctuary for generations to come. I would like to thank First Selectman Llodra and all of the lawmakers for their leadership and support of this bill. I would also like to thank Catherine’s parents, Jenny and Matt Hubbard, for allowing their daughter to continue enriching the lives of so many through this project.”

“The conveyance of this land to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation is a significant step toward the creation of a sanctuary for animals, in honor of a 6 year old with a passion for all creatures, large and small, fuzzy and slimy,” said Newtown First Selectman E. Patricia Llodra. “The vision of the sanctuary expressed so eloquently by parents Matt and Jenny Hubbard in honor of their beloved daughter is closer to reality because of the kindness and compassion of many, including legislators, local land use officials, the Department of Agriculture and Governor Malloy.”