Dog Owners of the Granite State

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…