This bill amends existing laws to exempt dogs that are actively engaged in guarding livestock or crops from nuisance statutes while performing their duties. Specifically, it modifies RSA 466:30-a to allow dogs to run at large when they are used for guarding agricultural crops and livestock, in addition to their current roles in hunting and herding. The bill introduces new sections, RSA 466:30-c and RSA 466:30-d, which outline the conditions under which livestock and crop guardian dogs may run at large, emphasizing that these dogs must be actively working in agricultural settings and not exhibiting nuisance behaviors.

Furthermore, the bill establishes penalties for individuals who falsely claim their dogs are livestock or crop guardian dogs to evade nuisance laws. It specifies a tiered penalty system for violations, starting with a written warning for the first offense, followed by civil penalties for subsequent violations. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a crop guardian dog will not be considered at large as long as it remains within the owner's property boundaries. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 466:30-a
As Amended by the House: 466:30-a, 466:31
As Amended by the Senate: 466:30-a, 466:31
Version adopted by both bodies: 466:30-a, 466:31
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 466:30-a, 466:31
HB1253 text: 466:30-a