This bill amends RSA 207:14 to allow the ownership of raccoons and gray squirrels as companion animals without a permit, provided that a wildlife rehabilitation facility determines the animals are unable to survive in the wild and that they are up to date on required vaccinations. The new legal language inserted into the current law specifies that if an owner fails to meet these requirements, they may face fines set by the fish and game commission, but the animals cannot be confiscated or euthanized without the owner's consent. Additionally, individuals relocating from states where ownership of these animals is legal can keep their raccoons or gray squirrels as long as they meet the vaccination requirements. The bill explicitly states that it does not permit the trapping, breeding, or sale of these animals.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have a fiscal impact on the Fish and Game Department, which anticipates increased enforcement actions and the need for a tracking system to document the ownership of these animals. The estimated increase in state expenditures ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 per year, while any potential revenue from fines is expected to be less than $10,000 annually. Overall, the bill aims to provide a legal framework for the ownership of certain wild animals deemed unable to survive in their natural habitat while ensuring their welfare and compliance with health regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 207:14