On Tuesday, June 17, at 9AM, a New Hampshire (NH) conference committee is scheduled to consider amended SB 302, which now includes text supporting fair animal cruelty investigations and procedures and that would help prevent the reoccurrence of past problematic enforcement actions. New Hampshire residents are strongly encouraged to contact their state senator to request support of amended SB 302.
DETAILS
Last week, the New Hampshire House of Representatives amended SB 302 prior to passage. The amendment now includes text from another bill, amended HB 616, that both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the New Hampshire Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) support. The State Senate, however, rejected the House’s amendments. The Senate has appointed Senators Pearl, Avard, and Watters and the House has appointed Representatives Aron, Potenza, Comtois, and Bixby to negotiate the bill in a conference committee.
Amended SB 302:
(1) Ensures a person charged with animal cruelty is aware of their right to hire a licensed veterinarian of their choice to examine the animal;
(2) Requires proof that proper care and facilities can be provided for adults and offspring by the confiscating party if any lactating animals are taken;
(3) Prohibits anyone initiating an animal welfare complaint from participating in or being present during any investigation into that complaint to avoid conflicts of interest; and
(4) Prohibits confiscated animals from being used in any manner to solicit donations or to raise funds by any individual or organization that has protective custody of the animal or animals prior to an animal abuse or neglect conviction.
More details can be viewed in this alert.
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 the inclusion of Amended HB 616 text in Amended SB 302 because we view its protections as supporting fair criminal investigations and procedures that would help prevent the reoccurrence of past problematic confiscations.
HOW TO REGISTER YOUR SUPPORT: Immediately call or email your state Senator requesting support for “Amended SB 302 with animal cruelty confiscation protections”.
- Use the drop-down menu on this form and click on your town.
- Your state Senator’s contact information will appear at the top of the page.
- Identify you are a constituent and share what you know about animal confiscation problems.
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.