Ryanhaus Kennel

Subject: NH Legislators Vote - Successful Outcomes!! DOGS Legislative Update #8

2/11/09

Edition #8-‘10

Dog Owners of the Granite State

(DOGS)

2010 NH Legislative Briefing #8

Appropriate Forwarding is Encouraged

MEMBER ALERT - TOWN MEETING PROPOSALS

Town Meeting season in New Hampshire is fast approaching. A wide variety of issues can be posed at your annual Town Meeting, especially if it’s the traditional style “group meeting”. Recently, breeders in a NH town were surprised to find out that a new restriction on the number of dogs a resident could own was passed at Town Meeting. The new restriction basically banned any new dog breeder from the town and those currently in residence were grandfathered but only if they maintained their current address. This time of year, keeping an eye on your town’s website and local papers will give you time to prepare opposition to burdensome, unnecessary and inappropriate restrictions before they become local law. Email DOGS at DOGS@NHdogs.org if an unfriendly animal owner law is being proposed in your town.

NEW! NH LEGISLATIVE ACTION

HB 1639 (Dog Tethering Requirements & Unlawful Taking)

House Criminal Justice Committee Votes.

On February 11th, the House Criminal Justice Committee voted to recommend the bill Inexpedient to Legislative in a 13-2 vote. Rep. Larry Gagne from Manchester made the motion. Representatives McCarthy and Chandley voted against the motion to recommend killing the bill. The bill will likely be voted on by the full House on February 24th.

Many thanks to all who prepared and presented testimony and signed in opposed as well as those who sent letters. The members of this committee are becoming more knowledgeable about animal issues because of your involvement.

HB 1624: placing undue restrictions on dog breeders and owners under the guise of eliminating “puppy mills”. Killed in the House on February 10th.

DOGS is grateful for all the time and thought that members put into making contacts with legislators on this bill. Not only did our position on the bill prevail but the messages helped create a better understanding among legislators about our issues.

SB 365: requires that animal shelters (including dog rescue shelters) cannot sell, give away, adopt, or otherwise transfer ownership of any dog or cat unless it has been sexually sterilized. DOGS requested an amendment to the bill that added essential protections for animals and animal owners such as; an exemption for health reasons and an animal reclaimed by its owner.

STATUS: Passed the Senate with Amendment. DOGS’ requested amendments were incorporated into the bill. A Senate floor amendment was accepted that requested by Sen. Roberge, bill’s sponsor, that provided for an exemption for shelters that can demonstrate that at least 85% of the dogs transferred had been sterilized in the previous year through the voucher system or private means. Next step: public hearing before the House Environment & Agriculture Committee to be announced.

HB 1417: allowing companion dogs in certain areas of restaurants. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Butler, owns an Inn and the new health inspector maintains that the owner’s dogs having access to the dining room is a violation of the state regulations. DOGS is supporting the bill. A copy of the bill can be accessed at http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1417.html .

STATUS: The House Commerce Committee is recommending the bill for passage. Full House vote scheduled for February 17th.

HB 1525: allowing appropriately trained physical therapists to practice on animals. The bill adds language to the statute passed last year that is agreeable to the therapists and the NH veterinarian’s association. DOGS supports the bill.

STATUS: Passed the House. Next step: Senate public hearing to be scheduled.

HB 1596: changes the time period by 15 days during which dog owners who have failed to license their dogs shall be notified of the civil forfeiture of each unlicensed dog and increases the warrant fee from $5 to $10. The bill was requested by the municipal clerks’ organization. After attending the public hearing, DOGS still didn’t understand why the bill was needed. A copy of the bill is available at http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1596.html

STATUS: The House Municipal Committee is recommending the bill be killed (Inexpedient to Legislate). House votes on February 17th.

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MORE “DOGS” INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE: http://nhdogs.org/

and on our social networking sites at http://twitter.com/NHDogs ,

http://www.facebook.com/pages/NH-DOGS/262370784858

If you wish to be removed from this mailing list or have changed your email address, please send a note to yln@comcast.net

This summary of NH Legislation provides a snapshot of the viewpoints and status of the significant bills that are being considered during the 2010 NH Legislative Session. Yvonne Nanasi, DOGS Legislative Liaison, prepares the “Update”. She can be contacted at yln@comcast.net.

DOGS is An American Kennel Club affiliated federation. Our members are involved in all aspects of pet ownership. To become a supporting member of DOGS’ programs and legislative advocacy efforts contact Joyce Arivella, DOGS President, at DOGS@NHdogs.org .