The end of June brought with it the closure of New Hampshire’s busy 2025 legislative session. The American Kennel Club (AKC) worked with the New Hampshire Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) to closely track numerous bills impacting dogs and advocate on behalf of their owners. AKC extends deep appreciation to all who engaged with lawmakers in achieving these significant successes.
SUPPORTED BILLS:
HB 153, “Establishing Committee to Study Adding Statewide Resources to Assist with the Investigation, Training, Prosecution, and Prompt Response of Animal Cruelty,” – signed by Governor.
OPPOSED BILLS:
SB 290, “Relative to the Definition of Torture in Animal Abuse Cases,” – laid on the table, did not pass.
HB 240, “Relative to Non-payment of Dog Licensing Fees,” – inexpedient to legislate.
HB 593, “Relative to Loss of Consortium Involving Pets,” – inexpedient to legislate.
HB 262, “Relative to group licenses for dogs,” – inexpedient to legislate.
AMENDED BILLS:
Amended HB 616, “Confiscation of Animals from Persons Suspected of or Charged with Abuse of Animals,” supported as amended by AKC and NH DOGS – passed the House but did not advance in the Senate.
Amended HB 250, “Enabling Local Governments to Regulate the Muzzling of Dogs,” opposed by AKC and NH DOGS until successfully amended – signed by the Governor.
AKC Government Relations (GR) will continue to monitor, address, and report on issues impacting dogs and dog ownership New Hampshire. For more information, contact AKC GR at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org; or NH DOGS at dogs.nh@gmail.com.