Bill > HB240

This bill modifies existing law regarding dog licensing by changing the requirement for local governing bodies from mandatory to optional when issuing warrants for civil forfeiture of unlicensed dogs due to nonpayment of licensing fees. Specifically, the bill replaces the word "shall" with "may" in the provision about issuing warrants, giving local governments more discretion in handling unlicensed dogs. The bill maintains the existing process where town or city clerks must present a list of dog owners who have not licensed their dogs, and allows local officials to issue warrants and potentially seize unlicensed dogs. If a dog is seized, it will be held for 7 days, after which the facility gains full ownership unless the owner licenses the dog and pays boarding and potential veterinary costs. The bill also requires that a written warning be given to the dog owner before any seizure, and caps the service cost at $7. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its passage, and according to the fiscal note, it is not expected to have any financial impact on state, county, or local governments.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0018&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB240