This bill amends RSA 466:31-a to increase the minimum fines for attacks by nuisance dogs. Specifically, the bill raises the fines for various offenses: the fine for the first nuisance offense is increased from $25 to $100, the second or subsequent nuisance offense from $100 to $200, the first menace offense from $50 to $200, and the second or subsequent menace offense from $200 to $400. Additionally, the fine for the first vicious offense is raised from $100 to $400, and the second or subsequent vicious offense from $400 to $1,000. The bill also introduces a requirement that the owner of the dog is liable for all medical bills incurred by the person who was attacked.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if a person pays a civil forfeiture two times within a 12-month period, they will not be able to pay a civil forfeiture for subsequent violations during that period, and those cases will be handled in district or municipal court. In cases involving a vicious dog, immediate court proceedings shall be initiated instead of allowing for civil forfeiture. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 466:31-a