This bill amends RSA 466:31, which deals with the disposition of vicious dogs. The current law allows for the dog to be taken into custody and for the court to order a disposition of the dog if the owner fails to abate a nuisance caused by the dog. The bill adds a new provision that states if a court finds that a dog has attacked a human or domestic animal and caused puncture or tearing of the skin two or more times within a 12-month period, the dog shall be considered vicious and taken into custody. The court is then required to order the dog to be euthanized. The bill also removes a provision that allows for the release of the complainant's name as public information before levying a fine for nuisance behavior if a law enforcement officer did not witness the behavior. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2025. The fiscal impact of this bill is determined to be less than $10,000 in each fiscal year from 2024 to 2027. The Judicial Branch and New Hampshire Municipal Association were contacted regarding this bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 466:31