Dog Owners of the Granite State

The Legislature is on its winter vacation break until March 1st.

Recent Legislative Action -

HB 1417: allowing companion dogs in certain areas of restaurants. Passed the House.

HB 1596: changes the time period by 15 days during which dog owners who have failed to license their dogs shall be notified of the civil forfeiture of each unlicensed dog and increases the warrant fee from $5 to $10. Killed by the House.

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 1596 – relative to the civil forfeiture of unlicensed dogs makes changes to the licensing law.  It shortens the grace period for late licensing of dogs and increases the costs.

• Changes from  between June 1 and June 20  to between May 15 and May 31 as the date for the town clerk to create a list of unlicensed dogs.
• Sets June 10 as the latest date for the town to issue a forfeiture warrant for unlicensed dogs.
• Doubles the costs of service of the forfeiture warrant from $5 to $10.