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, the Merrimack Valley Kennel Club, the Newfoundland Club of New England, the Souhegan Kennel Club, and the contributions of our supporters.
The Legislature’s computer system is being upgraded. This has produced problems with emails not being received. It seems to be improving but is not perfect yet. Also, remember that Representatives and Senators receive a lot of emails about bills and may not be able to respond to them all.
The Senate has a page about testifying before their committees. They also encourage people to email their testimony to the committee staff. You can attach a copy of your testimony and the staff will make sure it gets to senators on the committee. Please remember to copy DOGS (dogs.nh@gmail.com ) on your emails so we are aware of them.
****Important Upcoming Hearing ****
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee will hold a hearing on SB505-FN relative to the transfer of animals and birds. When: 9:30 a.m. Where: Room 101, the Legislative Office Building.
Letters should be sent to the committee staff, Deb Chroniak.
Bills of Interest
SB505-FN – relative to the transfer of animals and birds.
STATUS: The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee will hold a hearing on 1/27/16 at 9:30 a.m.
DOGS POSITION: Oppose
DOGS opposes this bill for the following reasons:
- It removes the requirement that Health Certificate be issued by a NH veterinarian
- It makes a dog or cat Health Certificate valid for 30 days
- It removes facilities inspections prior to the issuance of a state license
- It removes the mandatory quarantine. Requires only a 48 hour quarantine if the dog or cat is sick.
As many contagious illnesses have an incubation period of less than 30 days, this bill will increase the risk of a puppy buyer getting a sick puppy. The 14 day timeline for Health Certificates has been in force for many years and there is no good reason to increase it to 30 days. On Dec 2, the Concord Monitor had an article about a transportation rescue selling sick puppies without N.H. Health Certificates or being quarantined. Several of the puppies died from parvo. Many of the new owners spent quite a bit of money to save their puppies. This bill removes the only protections N.H. consumers have when they buy a pet.
Update on recent bills
HB 1567 -FN-A authorizing friends of animal number plates
STATUS: At the hearing, the sponsor requested that the Transportation Committee vote the bill “Inexpedient to Legislate.” She hopes that HB 280 allowing tags to be attached to vehicle license plates. These tags will be able to be sold by approved 501(c)3 non-profits.
