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1 New Paragraph; Wildlife Division; Animals Allowed to Be Owned Without Permit. Amend RSA 207:14 by inserting after paragraph III the following new paragraph:
III-a. Raccoons and gray squirrels may be possessed as companion animals without a permit from the department if a wildlife rehabilitation facility makes the determination that the animal cannot survive in the wild and such animal is up to date on any vaccines required. If an owner of a raccoon or gray squirrel cannot satisfy the requirements of this paragraph, the fish and game commission may charge them with a fine set in rules adopted under RSA 541-A and the animal shall be examined and, if necessary, vaccinated. The raccoon or gray squirrel shall not be confiscated or euthanized without the permission of the owner. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as enabling the trapping, breeding, and sale of raccoons and gray squirrels. If a person relocates from a state where it is legal to keep a raccoon or gray squirrel, such person can keep such raccoon or gray squirrel so long as such animal is up to date on any vaccines required.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.
Text to be added highlighted in green.
1 New Paragraph; Wildlife Division; Animals Allowed to Be Owned Without Permit. Amend RSA 207:14 by inserting after paragraph III the following new paragraph:
III-a. Raccoons and gray squirrels may be possessed as companion animals without a permit from the department if a wildlife rehabilitation facility makes the determination that the animal cannot survive in the wild and such animal is up to date on any vaccines required. If an owner of a raccoon or gray squirrel cannot satisfy the requirements of this paragraph, the fish and game commission may charge them with a fine set in rules adopted under RSA 541-A and the animal shall be examined and, if necessary, vaccinated. The raccoon or gray squirrel shall not be confiscated or euthanized without the permission of the owner. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as enabling the trapping, breeding, and sale of raccoons and gray squirrels. If a person relocates from a state where it is legal to keep a raccoon or gray squirrel, such person can keep such raccoon or gray squirrel so long as such animal is up to date on any vaccines required.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.