1 Companion Animal Neutering Fund. Amend RSA 6:12, I(b)(59) to read as follows:

(59) Moneys received under RSA 466:4, I(c), RSA 466:6, III, and RSA 437-A which shall be credited to the companion animal neutering fund, established in RSA 437-A:4-a.

2 Service Animals; Prohibited Acts. Amend RSA 167-D:8 to read as follows:

167-D:8 Prohibited Acts.

I. It is unlawful for a person, directly or indirectly, either to prohibit, hinder, or interfere with a service animal's handler or trainer who otherwise complies with the limitations applicable to persons without disabilities.

II. It is unlawful for any person to fit an animal with a collar, leash, vest, sign, or harness of the type which represents that the animal is a service animal, or service animal tag issued under RSA 466:8 or to request a service animal tag issued under RSA 466:8 if in fact said animal is not a service animal.

III. It is unlawful for any person to willfully interfere or attempt to interfere with a service animal.

IV. It is unlawful for any person to represent that such person has a disability or is a service animal trainer for the purpose of acquiring a service animal unless said person has a disability or is a service animal trainer and to impersonate, by word or action, a person with a disability for the purpose of receiving service dog accommodations or service animal accessories such as a collar, leash, vest, sign, harness, or service animal tag, which represents that the animal is a service animal or to acquire a service animal tag issued under RSA 466:8.

3 Impoundment of Dog Rabies Suspects. Amend RSA 436:105 to read as follows:

436:105 Impoundment of Dog Rabies Suspects.

I. Any dog displaying symptoms which indicate a likelihood that such dog is afflicted with rabies which has bitten a person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure shall be immediately euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for euthanizing the dog and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the dog is a stray, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense, and such expense shall be paid from fees collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6.

II. Any apparently healthy dog not vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100, or whose vaccination status is unknown which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure of such person, shall be seized and impounded under the supervision of the local authorities for a period of not less than 10 days. If, upon examination by a licensed veterinarian, the dog has no signs of rabies at the end of said impoundment, it may be released to the owner or, in the case of a stray, it shall be disposed of in accordance with applicable laws. Any illness in the dog during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the dog shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and for the impoundment of the dog. The owner shall also be responsible for any expense for euthanizing the dog and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the dog is a stray, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense, and such expense shall be paid from fees collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6.

III. Except as provided in RSA 436:105-b, any healthy dog vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100, which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or caused a nonbite exposure, shall be confined by the owner or other responsible person as required by local authorities for a period of 10 days, at which time the dog shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian. If no signs of rabies are observed by the veterinarian, the dog may be released from confinement. Any illness in the dog during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the dog shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and for the impoundment of the dog. The owner shall also be responsible for any expense for euthanizing the dog and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the dog is a stray, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense incurred, and such expense shall be paid from fees collected under RSA 466:4 and RSA 466:6.

4 Impoundment of Cat Rabies Suspects. Amend RSA 436:105-a to read as follows:

436:105-a Impoundment of Cat Rabies Suspects.

I. Any cat displaying symptoms which indicate a likelihood that such cat is afflicted with rabies which has bitten a person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure shall be immediately euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for euthanizing the cat and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the owner of the cat is not known, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense, and such expense shall be paid from fees collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6.

II. Any apparently healthy cat not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure of the person shall be seized and, if the owner consents, impounded under the supervision of the local authorities for a period of not less than 10 days. If, upon examination by a licensed veterinarian, the cat has no signs of rabies at the end of the impoundment, it may be released to the owner. Any illness in the cat during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the cat shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and for the impoundment of the cat. If the owner of the cat is not known or if the owner does not consent to impoundment, the cat shall be euthanized upon seizure and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for euthanizing the cat and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the owner of the cat is not known, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense and such expense shall be paid from fees collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6.

III. Any healthy cat vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100, which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure, shall be confined by the owner or other responsible person as required by the local authorities for a period of 10 days, at which time the cat shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian. If no signs of rabies are observed by the veterinarian, the cat may be released from confinement. Any illness in the cat during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the cat shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and the impoundment of the cat, for euthanizing the cat and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the owner of the cat does not consent to the confinement or if the owner of the cat is not known, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense and such expense shall be paid from fees collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6.

5 Handling of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets Bitten by Rabid Animals. Amend RSA 436:106, I(a) to read as follows:

(a) In the case of dogs, cats, and ferrets which are not vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100 and which have been bitten by a known rabid animal or have had a nonbite exposure, the dogs, cats, and ferrets which were bitten or exposed to rabies shall be immediately euthanized, unless the owner is unwilling as provided in subparagraph (b) of this paragraph. The owner shall be responsible for the expense of destroying and disposing of the dog, cat, or ferret. In the case of a stray dog or cat whose owner is not known, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense, and such expense shall be paid from the fees collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6. In the case of a ferret whose owner is not known, the state shall be responsible for the expense.

6 Handling of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets Bitten by Rabid Animals. Amend RSA 436:106, III(b) to read as follows:

(b) The expense for dogs and cats shall be an expense of the rabies control authority, and such expense shall be paid from fees collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6. The expense for ferrets shall be the responsibility of the state.

7 Unclaimed Cats. Amend RSA 437:18, IV(d) to read as follows:

(d) Any cat in the custody of the animal care center for at least 7 days which has a form of positive identification including, but not limited to a tattoo, collar, microchip, eartag, or any other form of identification approved by the commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food pursuant to rules adopted under RSA 466:13-a.

8 Notice to Owner; Reclaiming of Animals. Amend RSA 437:19 to read as follows:

437:19 Notice to Owner; Reclaiming of Animals. The operator of an animal care center having custody of an animal, the owner of which has refused or neglected to reclaim the animal for a period of 7 days, or has refused or neglected to pay the just fees and charges due for boarding, grooming, surgical, medical or other care of the animal for a period of 7 days, shall notify the owner by certified mail of the intention of the operator to treat the animal as an abandoned animal within the meaning of this subdivision if the owner does not reclaim the animal or pay the charges and fees within 7 days after the mailing of the notification. Any cat not licensed in accordance with RSA 466:13-a and which is reclaimed from an animal care center shall be released to the owner only upon proof of a current, valid rabies vaccination or upon being vaccinated against rabies in accordance with RSA 436.

9 Companion Animal Neutering Fund. Amend RSA 437-A:4-a, I to read as follows:

I. There is hereby established the companion animal neutering fund. Any funds received by the commissioner under this chapter, RSA 466:4, I(c), and RSA 466:6, III shall be deposited in the fund and shall be used by the commissioner exclusively for implementation including veterinarian reimbursement, promotion, and other costs associated with the program. Moneys in the fund shall be continually appropriated to the commissioner. Interest earnings credited to the assets of the fund shall become part of the fund. Any balance remaining in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall be carried forward to the fund for the next fiscal year.

10 Title to Unlicensed Dogs in Human Societies. Amend RSA 466:18-a to read as follows:

466:18-a Title to Unlicensed Dogs in Humane Societies. Whenever an incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shall keep and maintain for 7 consecutive days an unlicensed dog whose owner is unknown, full title to the [unlicensed] dog shall pass to the society at the end of the 7-day period, unless the owner of the dog shall, before the expiration of the period, [cause the dog to be licensed and shall] pay the society a necessary and reasonable fee per day for each day the dog has been kept and maintained by the society, plus any necessary veterinary fees incurred by the society for the benefit of the dog.

11 City or Town Bylaws. Amend RSA 466:39 to read as follows:

466:39 City or Town Bylaws. The local governing body may make such additional bylaws and regulations concerning the [licensing and] restraining of dogs as it deems reasonable, and may affix penalties not exceeding $50 for a breach thereof. Such bylaws and regulations shall relate only to dogs owned or kept in such city or town[, and the annual fee required for a license shall in no case be more than $1 in addition to the sum hereby required].

12 Restaurants and Food Stores. Amend RSA 466:44, II(a)(3) to read as follows:

(3) The owner allowing dogs shall prominently display a sign at all public entrances advising patrons that dogs are allowed on the premises. The sign shall state the following text in English:

"Companion dogs are only allowed in certain outdoor dining areas of this establishment.

Only service dogs are allowed in other parts of this establishment.

Your companion dog must [be licensed and] currently vaccinated against rabies to remain in the outdoor dining area with you.

13 Registration. Amend RSA 466:48 to read as follows:

466:48 Registration. [In addition to the dog license required by RSA 466:4,] No guard dog shall be used in any city or town without prior approval of the local law enforcement authority and appropriate registration with that authority.

14 Repeal. The following are repealed:

I. RSA 466:1, relative to procuring a dog license.

II. RSA 466:1-a, relative to requiring a rabies vaccination for dogs.

III. RSA 466:1-b, relative to rabies certificates.

IV. RSA 466:1-c, relative to authorization to issue license.

V. RSA 466:1-d, relative to lists of licensed dog owners.

VI. RSA 466:2, relative to the term of dog licenses.

VII. RSA 466:3, relative to transfer of ownership of dogs.

VIII. RSA 466:4, relative to license fees.

IX. RSA 466:5, relative to the disposal of license fees.

X. RSA 466:6, relative to group dog licenses.

XI. RSA 466:7, relative to late fees.

XII. RSA 466:8, relative to exemptions from dog licenses.

XIII. RSA 466:9, relative to payment of fees.

XIV. RSA 466:11, relative to records of licensed dogs.

XV. RSA 466:13, relative to forfeiture of dogs.

XVI. RSA 466:13-a, relative to the licensing of cats.

XVII. RSA 466:14, relative to warrants and proceedings.

XVIII. RSA 466:15, relative to fees.

XIX. RSA 466:16, relative to returns of warrants.

XX. RSA 466:47, relative to licensed guard dogs.

XXI. RSA 167-D:7, relative to the licensing of service animals.

XXII. RSA 6:12, I(b)(43), relative to the veterinary diagnostic laboratory fund.

15 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2025.

1 Companion Animal Neutering Fund. Amend RSA 6:12, I(b)(59) to read as follows:

(59) Moneys received under RSA 437-A which shall be credited to the companion animal neutering fund, established in RSA 437-A:4-a.

2 Service Animals; Prohibited Acts. Amend RSA 167-D:8 to read as follows:

167-D:8 Prohibited Acts.

I. It is unlawful for a person, directly or indirectly, either to prohibit, hinder, or interfere with a service animal's handler or trainer who otherwise complies with the limitations applicable to persons without disabilities.

II. It is unlawful for any person to fit an animal with a collar, leash, vest, sign, or harness of the type which represents that the animal is a service animal, if in fact said animal is not a service animal.

III. It is unlawful for any person to willfully interfere or attempt to interfere with a service animal.

IV. It is unlawful for any person to represent that such person has a disability or is a service animal trainer for the purpose of acquiring a service animal unless said person has a disability or is a service animal trainer and to impersonate, by word or action, a person with a disability for the purpose of receiving service dog accommodations or service animal accessories such as a collar, leash, vest, sign, harness, or service animal tag, which represents that the animal is a service animal .

3 Impoundment of Dog Rabies Suspects. Amend RSA 436:105 to read as follows:

436:105 Impoundment of Dog Rabies Suspects.

I. Any dog displaying symptoms which indicate a likelihood that such dog is afflicted with rabies which has bitten a person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure shall be immediately euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for euthanizing the dog and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the dog is a stray, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense.

II. Any apparently healthy dog not vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100, or whose vaccination status is unknown which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure of such person, shall be seized and impounded under the supervision of the local authorities for a period of not less than 10 days. If, upon examination by a licensed veterinarian, the dog has no signs of rabies at the end of said impoundment, it may be released to the owner or, in the case of a stray, it shall be disposed of in accordance with applicable laws. Any illness in the dog during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the dog shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and for the impoundment of the dog. The owner shall also be responsible for any expense for euthanizing the dog and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the dog is a stray, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense.

III. Except as provided in RSA 436:105-b, any healthy dog vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100, which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or caused a nonbite exposure, shall be confined by the owner or other responsible person as required by local authorities for a period of 10 days, at which time the dog shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian. If no signs of rabies are observed by the veterinarian, the dog may be released from confinement. Any illness in the dog during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the dog shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and for the impoundment of the dog. The owner shall also be responsible for any expense for euthanizing the dog and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the dog is a stray, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense incurred.

4 Impoundment of Cat Rabies Suspects. Amend RSA 436:105-a to read as follows:

436:105-a Impoundment of Cat Rabies Suspects.

I. Any cat displaying symptoms which indicate a likelihood that such cat is afflicted with rabies which has bitten a person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure shall be immediately euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for euthanizing the cat and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the owner of the cat is not known, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense.

II. Any apparently healthy cat not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure of the person shall be seized and, if the owner consents, impounded under the supervision of the local authorities for a period of not less than 10 days. If, upon examination by a licensed veterinarian, the cat has no signs of rabies at the end of the impoundment, it may be released to the owner. Any illness in the cat during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the cat shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and for the impoundment of the cat. If the owner of the cat is not known or if the owner does not consent to impoundment, the cat shall be euthanized upon seizure and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for euthanizing the cat and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the owner of the cat is not known, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense .

III. Any healthy cat vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100, which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure, shall be confined by the owner or other responsible person as required by the local authorities for a period of 10 days, at which time the cat shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian. If no signs of rabies are observed by the veterinarian, the cat may be released from confinement. Any illness in the cat during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the cat shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and the impoundment of the cat, for euthanizing the cat and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the owner of the cat does not consent to the confinement or if the owner of the cat is not known, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense .

5 Handling of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets Bitten by Rabid Animals. Amend RSA 436:106, I(a) to read as follows:

(a) In the case of dogs, cats, and ferrets which are not vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100 and which have been bitten by a known rabid animal or have had a nonbite exposure, the dogs, cats, and ferrets which were bitten or exposed to rabies shall be immediately euthanized, unless the owner is unwilling as provided in subparagraph (b) of this paragraph. The owner shall be responsible for the expense of destroying and disposing of the dog, cat, or ferret. In the case of a stray dog or cat whose owner is not known, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense. In the case of a ferret whose owner is not known, the state shall be responsible for the expense.

6 Handling of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets Bitten by Rabid Animals. Amend RSA 436:106, III(b) to read as follows:

(b) The expense for dogs and cats shall be an expense of the rabies control authority. The expense for ferrets shall be the responsibility of the state.

7 Unclaimed Cats. Amend RSA 437:18, IV(d) to read as follows:

(d) Any cat in the custody of the animal care center for at least 7 days which has a form of positive identification including, but not limited to a tattoo, collar, microchip, or eartag.

8 Notice to Owner; Reclaiming of Animals. Amend RSA 437:19 to read as follows:

437:19 Notice to Owner; Reclaiming of Animals. The operator of an animal care center having custody of an animal, the owner of which has refused or neglected to reclaim the animal for a period of 7 days, or has refused or neglected to pay the just fees and charges due for boarding, grooming, surgical, medical or other care of the animal for a period of 7 days, shall notify the owner by certified mail of the intention of the operator to treat the animal as an abandoned animal within the meaning of this subdivision if the owner does not reclaim the animal or pay the charges and fees within 7 days after the mailing of the notification. Any cat which is reclaimed from an animal care center shall be released to the owner only upon proof of a current, valid rabies vaccination or upon being vaccinated against rabies in accordance with RSA 436.

9 Companion Animal Neutering Fund. Amend RSA 437-A:4-a, I to read as follows:

I. There is hereby established the companion animal neutering fund. Any funds received by the commissioner under this chapter shall be deposited in the fund and shall be used by the commissioner exclusively for implementation including veterinarian reimbursement, promotion, and other costs associated with the program. Moneys in the fund shall be continually appropriated to the commissioner. Interest earnings credited to the assets of the fund shall become part of the fund. Any balance remaining in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall be carried forward to the fund for the next fiscal year.

10 Title to Unlicensed Dogs in Human Societies. Amend RSA 466:18-a to read as follows:

466:18-a Title to Unlicensed Dogs in Humane Societies. Whenever an incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shall keep and maintain for 7 consecutive days a dog whose owner is unknown, full title to the [unlicensed] dog shall pass to the society at the end of the 7-day period, unless the owner of the dog shall, before the expiration of the period, [cause the dog to be licensed and shall] pay the society a necessary and reasonable fee per day for each day the dog has been kept and maintained by the society, plus any necessary veterinary fees incurred by the society for the benefit of the dog.

11 City or Town Bylaws. Amend RSA 466:39 to read as follows:

466:39 City or Town Bylaws. The local governing body may make such additional bylaws and regulations concerning the [licensing and] restraining of dogs as it deems reasonable, and may affix penalties not exceeding $50 for a breach thereof. Such bylaws and regulations shall relate only to dogs owned or kept in such city or town[, and the annual fee required for a license shall in no case be more than $1 in addition to the sum hereby required].

12 Restaurants and Food Stores. Amend RSA 466:44, II(a)(3) to read as follows:

(3) The owner allowing dogs shall prominently display a sign at all public entrances advising patrons that dogs are allowed on the premises. The sign shall state the following text in English:

"Companion dogs are only allowed in certain outdoor dining areas of this establishment.

Only service dogs are allowed in other parts of this establishment.

Your companion dog must [be licensed and] currently vaccinated against rabies to remain in the outdoor dining area with you.

13 Registration. Amend RSA 466:48 to read as follows:

466:48 Registration. [In addition to the dog license required by RSA 466:4,] No guard dog shall be used in any city or town without prior approval of the local law enforcement authority and appropriate registration with that authority.

14 Repeal. The following are repealed:

I. RSA 466:1, relative to procuring a dog license.

II. RSA 466:1-a, relative to requiring a rabies vaccination for dogs.

III. RSA 466:1-b, relative to rabies certificates.

IV. RSA 466:1-c, relative to authorization to issue license.

V. RSA 466:1-d, relative to lists of licensed dog owners.

VI. RSA 466:2, relative to the term of dog licenses.

VII. RSA 466:3, relative to transfer of ownership of dogs.

VIII. RSA 466:4, relative to license fees.

IX. RSA 466:5, relative to the disposal of license fees.

X. RSA 466:6, relative to group dog licenses.

XI. RSA 466:7, relative to late fees.

XII. RSA 466:8, relative to exemptions from dog licenses.

XIII. RSA 466:9, relative to payment of fees.

XIV. RSA 466:11, relative to records of licensed dogs.

XV. RSA 466:13, relative to forfeiture of dogs.

XVI. RSA 466:13-a, relative to the licensing of cats.

XVII. RSA 466:14, relative to warrants and proceedings.

XVIII. RSA 466:15, relative to fees.

XIX. RSA 466:16, relative to returns of warrants.

XX. RSA 466:47, relative to licensed guard dogs.

XXI. RSA 167-D:7, relative to the licensing of service animals.

XXII. RSA 6:12, I(b)(43), relative to the veterinary diagnostic laboratory fund.

15 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2025.