January 16, 2016
DOGS’ legislative advocacy program is made possible by contributions from our members and local dog and cat clubs. We are grateful for the continuing support of the Granite State Shetland Sheepdog Club of South East New Hampshire, the Lakes Region Kennel Club, Merrimack Valley Kennel Club, the Newfoundland Club of New England, and the Souhegan Kennel Club
This year we will need some extra help with hearings and emails. Our long-time legislative consultant is on sabbatical and some of our regular hearing attendees have health issues which will preclude their attendance in Concord. So please, if you can make it, try to attend the hearings or email the committee members about the upcoming bills. Please remember to copy DOGS on your emails so we are aware of them.
Upcoming Hearings
January 19, 2016
The House Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on HB 1567 -FN-A authorizing friends of animal number plates When: 11:40 a.m. Where: Room 203, the Legislative Office Building.
Bills of Interest
HB 1567 -FN-A authorizing friends of animal number plates
STATUS: The House Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on 1/19 at 11:40 a.m.
DOGS POSITION: Support What’s not to like about this bill? This bill will create a “Friends of Animals” automobile license plate similar to the “Moose” plates. After paying the costs, all monies raised from sales of the plates will be equally divided between the N.H. Companion Animal Neutering Fund and the UNH Veterinary Diagnostic labs. The N.H. Legislature traditionally does not like specialty license plates, so if you support this bill, please let the Transportation Committee know. You can find a list of the committee members, their phone numbers, and emails here.
Update on recent bills
HB1230 – relative to information on dog licenses: This bill was introduced at the request of DOGS.
STATUS: The House Municipal and County Government will vote on the bill on 1/21/16 at 10 a.m.
DOGS POSITION: Support This bill will allow an owner to list emergency contact for their dogs when licensing their dog(s). The bill’s purpose is to provide the name of someone who can come care for the animal in case the owner suffers an accident/emergency. First responders will be able to call the town clerk’s office to locate a designated person to come care for the animals in their home.
HB1576- FN-L – repealing the licensure of dogs
STATUS: The House Municipal and County Government held vote on the bill on 1/21/16 at 10 a.m.
DOGS POSITION: OPPOSE The bill creates a public health care risk and removes an expedient process for returning a lost dog. In 2013 and 2014, 57 animals (mostly wild animals but including 1 cat) tested positive for rabies in New Hampshire. Dog licenses require dogs to receive a rabies vaccination resulting in protecting the public from possible exposure to rabies as it is not unusual for dogs to come into contact with wild animals. License tags allow for the return of lost or escaped dogs. Additionally, dog licensing supports the NH Spay/Neuter Fund and the UNH Veterinary Diagnostic Lab a valuable resource for all dog owners as well as other animal owners.
