This bill amends RSA 466:14 regarding the civil forfeiture process for unlicensed dogs. It establishes that the cost of service for notifying dog owners of civil forfeiture will now align with the United States Postal Service rate for certified mail with return receipt. Specifically, the bill inserts language stating that the cost of service shall not exceed this certified mail rate at the time of mailing, and this same cost will apply whether the notice is delivered in person or left at the owner's residence. The previous fixed cost of $7 for service has been deleted from the law.

Additionally, the bill allows municipalities to recover the cost of service in addition to the civil forfeiture amount. It maintains the provision that if an unlicensed dog is seized, it will be held for seven days in a local facility, after which ownership will transfer to the facility unless the owner licenses the dog within that period. The owner will also be responsible for daily maintenance fees and any veterinary costs incurred during the dog's stay at the facility. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 466:14
As Amended by the House: 466:14
Version adopted by both bodies: 466:14
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 466:14