This bill amends the penalties associated with attacks by nuisance dogs, specifically adjusting the minimum fines for various offenses under RSA 466:31. The changes include replacing the initial $25 fine for the first nuisance offense with a warning, reducing the second offense fine from $100 to $50, and establishing a $100 fine for the third or subsequent offenses within a 12-month period. For menace offenses, the first offense fine increases from $50 to $200, while the second or subsequent offenses rise from $200 to $400. Additionally, the first vicious offense fine increases from $100 to $400, and the second or subsequent offenses increase from $400 to $1,000. The bill also stipulates that the owner of the dog will be liable for all medical bills incurred by the person attacked.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that if a person pays a civil forfeiture two times within a 12-month period, they will not be able to pay for subsequent violations but will have those cases heard in court. In cases involving vicious dogs that pose a public safety threat, immediate court proceedings are required instead of allowing for civil forfeiture. The bill clarifies that it does not limit any civil recovery an individual may claim under RSA 466:19 or other applicable laws. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 466:31-a
As Amended by the House: 466:31-a
As Amended by the Senate: 466:31-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 466:31-a
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 466:31-a