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, replacing the previous fixed cost of $7. The new legal language specifies that this rate will apply not only for certified mail but also for in-hand delivery or notices left at the owner's abode. Additionally, the bill allows municipalities to recover the cost of service in addition to the civil forfeiture amount.

The bill also maintains the existing provisions regarding the seizure and holding of unlicensed dogs, stipulating that if a dog is seized, it will be held for seven days before full title passes to the holding facility unless the owner licenses the dog within that period. The owner is responsible for daily maintenance fees and any veterinary costs incurred during the dog's stay at the facility. A written warning must be issued to the dog owner before any seizure occurs. The act 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