HB 1639 (Dog Tethering Requirements & Unlawful Taking) will be voted on by the full House on March 10th.
From the N.H. House Calendar –
HB 1639-FN-L, relative to the tethering of dogs. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE. Rep. Larry G Gagne for Criminal Justice and Public Safety: This bill would amend RSA 644:8, III to add, as a separate category of cruelty to animals, the tethering of a dog for more than fourteen cumulative hours in a twenty-four hour period. It also would contain requirements for a proper tether which the majority felt was unduly intrusive. We also felt that the current statutes are adequate at this time because this bill, if enacted, would punish all animal owners, including mushers, rather than the occasional animal abuser. Vote 13-2.
Thanks to everyone who wrote letters and emails and to those who came to Concord to testify – you did a good job.
NH LEGISLATIVE ACTION
HB 1639 (Dog Tethering Requirements & Unlawful Taking) – House Criminal Justice Committee Votes.
On February 11th, the House Criminal Justice Committee voted to recommend the bill Inexpedient to Legislative in a 13-2 vote. Rep. Larry Gagne from Manchester made the motion. Representatives McCarthy and Chandley voted against the motion to recommend killing the bill. The bill will likely be voted on by the full House on February 24th.
Many thanks to all who prepared and presented testimony and signed in opposed as well as those who sent letters. The members of this committee are becoming more knowledgeable about animal issues because of your involvement.
HB 1624: placing undue restrictions on dog breeders and owners under the guise of eliminating “puppy mills”. Killed in the House on February 10th.
DOGS is grateful for all the time and thought that members put into making contacts with legislators on this bill. Not only did our position on the bill prevail but the messages helped create a better understanding among legislators about our issues. Read more…
HB 1639 (Dog Tethering Requirements & Unlawful Taking)
House Criminal Justice Committee Schedules Vote.
The House Criminal Justice Committee has scheduled HB 1639 for a committee vote on February 9th or 11th. This clearly indicates that there will not be a subcommittee convened to discuss the bill further. HB1639 adds a new section to the animal cruelty laws that sets specific requirements for dog tethering. It also amends RSA 644:8, IV-a(a), the animal cruelty statute, to allow an animal, suspected of being abused or neglected, to be taken into custody without a warrant.
NEXT ACTION STEPS
If you have not already sent a note to the members of the House Criminal Justice Committee, there are still a few days to remind them of the problems inherent in the bill and why it should be recommended “Inexpedient to Legislate” (Killed). It is also a good time to start contacting your local representative to inform them about the bill and the need to for it to be voted “Inexpedient to Legislate”. Your local legislator and their contact information can be found here.
STATUS UPDATE ON OTHER BILLS
HB 1624: Breeder restrictions. On February 10th, the House will vote on the committee recommendation of “Inexpedient to Legislate”. Representative Groen stated in his report in the House Record describing why the committee voted 12-1 for this recommendation, “This bill will place undue restrictions on breeders and dog owners alike. The rules that would be applied are very generic and not breed specific, thus, dog owners could be charged with cruelty to their pets. Cruelty laws are already in existence in RSA 644:8, making this legislation unnecessary. Local animal control and law enforcement have the authority to remedy any abuses that may arise.” It is unlikely that the committee recommendation will be overturned during the House floor vote and DOGS appreciates those who contacted their local representatives to help insure that the bill will be killed.
Read more…
Update on HB 1624 (Dog Breeder Requirements) & HB 1639 (Tethering and Animal Confiscation Criteria)
This past week, two bills that would restrict the rights of dog breeders and animal owners had legislative public hearings. Many thanks to all who prepared and presented testimony and signed in opposed as well as those who sent letters. No matter what the outcome of the bill, we can be very proud of our articulate messages, engaging presentations and knowledgeable demeanor. Feedback indicates that the legislators were impressed and became more informed.
NEXT STEPS
Those who testified are encouraged to send a note to the committee members thanking them for listening to your concerns and offering to provide any further information to address any concerns or questions.
Supporters of the bills are reaching out work on amendments. HB 1639 and HB 1624 NEED TO BE KILLED – amendments to make the bills “better” are not an option as the bills are totally flawed, unjustified and lack funding for enforcement. If the bills were to be passed with exceptions for certain breeds or activities, the supporters would only return to the legislature in the future to remove the exceptions.
At this time neither bill has been scheduled for a subcommittee meeting by the respective committees. The House Environment & Agriculture Committee may vote on the bill during their executive session on January 28th. Stay tuned for more updates.
If you have not yet send a letter to the committee members and your local state representative, please do so now! Remember to individualize your letters.
Your local legislator and their contact information can be found at here.
HB 1639 adds a new section to the animal cruelty laws that sets specific requirements for dog tethering. It also amends RSA 644:8, IV-a(a), the animal cruelty statute, to allow an animal, suspected of being abused or neglected, to be taken into custody without a warrant.
House Criminal Justice Committee Members.
HB 1624 is proposed as a bill to stop “puppy mills” but it will impose unnecessary and onerous requirements on responsible dog owners and breeders. Education about and enforcement of the current laws, such as the requirement of a health certificate and the veterinary medical practice act, would be more effective than HB 1624 . The Dept. of Agriculture rules (AGR 1702) referenced in the bill can be found at http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/agr1700.html
House Environment and Agriculture Committee Members
HB 1639 -relative to the tethering of dogs amends RSA 644:8, IV-a(a), the animal cruelty statute, to allow an animal, suspected of being abused or neglected, to be taken into custody without a warrant even if there is no imminent danger to the animal’s health. Here is the proposed change:
“any appropriate law enforcement officer, animal control officer, or officer of a duly licensed humane society may take into temporary protective custody any animal when there is probable cause to believe that it has been or is being abused or neglected in violation of paragraphs III or III-a or when there is a clear and imminent danger to the animal’s health or life and there is not sufficient time to obtain a court order.” Read more…
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