This bill amends existing law to empower local governing bodies to establish regulations regarding the muzzling of dogs, specifically targeting vicious dogs as defined in RSA 466:31, II(g). The local governing bodies are granted the authority to create additional bylaws concerning the licensing and restraint of dogs, with penalties for violations not exceeding $50. The bill also stipulates that these regulations will only apply to dogs owned or kept within the respective city or town, and the annual licensing fee cannot exceed $1 in addition to the standard fee.

Importantly, the bill introduces exemptions for certain working dogs. Specifically, it states that dogs used for hunting, supervised competition, exhibition, or training for such activities, as well as dogs guarding, working, or herding livestock, are not subject to the muzzling regulations, provided that the owner or custodian can see or hear the dog or has reasonable knowledge of its location. This inclusion aims to balance public safety with the needs of dog owners engaged in specific activities. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 466:39
As Amended by the House: 466:39
As Amended by the Senate: 466:39, 466:4
Version adopted by both bodies: 466:39