2012 NH Legislation – General Status Update

The most recent DOGS Legislative Updates have focused on SB 370 (breeding and care requirements) because of the urgent need to get engaged opposing the bill.  At this time SB 370, HB 1498 (repealing dog licensing), and HB 325 (quarantine & health certificate requirements) are DOGS legislative priorities but there are some 22 other bills that DOGS has earmarked for advocacy or monitoring during the 2012 Legislative Session.

This Update provides new information on HB 1498 and HB 325 as well as an overview of some other bills. Those with hunting/sporting dogs may want to pay special attention to HB 1336 and HB 1339.

Legislative Listing Update

HB 1498: Repealing Municipal Dog Licensing (see extensive review in Update #1).

  • DOGS Position: Opposed. The bill is creates a public health care risk, removes privacy protections for dog owners, and the expedient process for dog owner identification.
  • STATUS: Public Hearing rescheduled due to weather
  • New Public Hearing Date: Monday, January 23rd at 11:35am in room 301 LOB
  • A copy of the bill can be obtained on-line at: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2012/HB1498.html

HB 325: As amended by the House, allows purchasers to accept a sick or injured animal if the transferee has knowledge of the sickness or injury and requires that imported dogs, cats and ferrets be held for 48 hours at a licensed facility before being sold in order to assess health status.

  • DOGS Position: DOGS believes that the new provisions are an improvement to the current law in order to address the challenges of dogs being imported into NH from other states and countries.
  • STATUS: Awaiting public hearing in the Senate. This bill was held over from last year and amended in the House.
  • Please note: At this time, the copy of the bill as amended that is posted on-line is being corrected.

HB 1231: Repeals the prohibition on sale of chicks, ducklings, goslings and rabbits under 4 weeks old and in quantities of less than 12 to any individual.

  • DOGS Position: DOGS is awaiting further information from the State Veterinarian. Repealing the quantity and age requirements seems reasonable for chicks, ducklings and goslings.
  • STATUS: Public hearing scheduled for 1/26 at 2pm before the House Fish & Game Committee.
  • A copy of this bill can be obtained on-line at:  http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2012/HB1231.html

HB 1336: Regarding reciprocity and nonresidents/guide use of hunting bear hunting dogs.

HB 1339: Prohibits contracting for limited trapping/hunting access on private land.

HJR 22: A House resolution (not embodied in statute) recommending manufacturers to add an aversive agent to engine coolant products to render them unpalatable  that are dangerously attractive to animals and children.

  • DOGS Position: DOGS would rather have this requirement in statute but, during the past three years, those bills have failed. This is an alternative to convey the message.
  • STATUS: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Science Committee on 1/20/12 at 11am.

SB 312: Prohibits the cruel confinement of sows and calves raised for veal.

STATUS: Awaiting public hearing date in Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee

A copy of this bill can be obtained on-line at:  http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2012/SB0312.html

ADDITONAL LEGISLATION NOTE:  DOGS is monitoring a number of bills that address issues related to access to private property, ability to confiscate private property, and return of private property if a person is not convicted of an offense.  If you have a special interest in these issues, please contact the DOGS Legislative Consultant for further information – Email Yvonne.

January 16 Legislative Update
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