The New Hampshire (NH) Senate Judiciary Committee will hear public testimony on Amended HB 616 tomorrow, Tuesday, April 22, at 1:30PM. Amended HB 616, which has already favorably passed the House, would:
(1) ensure a person charged with animal cruelty is aware of their right to hire a licensed veterinarian of their choice to examine the animals;
(2) require proof that proper care and facilities can be provided for adults and offspring by the confiscating party if any lactating animals are taken; and
(3) prohibit anyone initiating an animal welfare complaint from participating in or being present during any investigation into that complaint to avoid conflicts of interest.
Click here to review how Amended HB 616 would make changes to NH law (mark-up in red).
The American Kennel Club (AKC) takes a strong line on animal cruelty; and believes that governments must protect constitutional rights and privileges of dog owners under American law, and that owners must be afforded substantive and procedural due process protections. AKC supports Amended HB 616 because we view its protections as supporting fair criminal investigations and procedures that would help prevent the reoccurrence of past problematic confiscations. For instance: (1) animals that may appear neglected or abused may actually be elderly or sick and under the care of a veterinarian. Animal owners ought to be made aware of their legal right to obtain a veterinary examination when questioned. (2) Lactating animals require special care, and separating lactating adults from nursing offspring can result in serious harm. (3) Photos and videos of animal cruelty cases have been utilized by some anti-breeder advocacy organizations to create an emotional connection with donors, but can compromise criminal investigations and lead to violations of a person’s right to privacy. Such practices should not be permitted under the law.
HOW TO REGISTER YOUR SUPPORT:
- Email committee members using “Support Amended HB 616” in your email subject line.
- In your email, identify what city/town you’re emailing from.
- Send your email to all members of the committee by clicking this link to the Senate Standing Committees and scrolling down to “Judiciary”. When you click on “Email Entire Committee”, an email should open with each member’s email pre-loaded.
- You may register your support on the NH General Court’s website, available Select the April 22 hearing date. Using the drop-down menus, select the Senate Judiciary Committee and 1:30PM HB 616 to register your support. The sign-in sheet will close for purposes of registering your opinion at 11:59 p.m. tomorrow.
- You may speak in person at the April 22, 2025, Senate Committee hearing in Room 100 of the State House, 107 North Main Street, Concord, New Hampshire 03301. Sign in to testify when you arrive.
For more information on these or other legislative issues in New Hampshire, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org; or the Dog Owners of the Granite State at dogs.nh@gmail.com.