NHES The National Humane
Education Society
May 2018
This bill would have provided common-sense, measurable strategies to prevent animal cruelty, uncover incidences of animal cruelty early, and remove the financial burden of animal cruelty crimes on taxpayers and place it where it belongs — on the wallets of those who harm animals.
Last year, more than 80 Great Dane adult dogs and puppies were seized
from a home in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, after police found the dogs living
in filthy, overcrowded conditions. Many of the dogs had health problems and
were malnourished. This cruelty case and others inspired some New Hampshire
legislators and Governor Sununu to explore ways to strengthen state animal
cruelty laws. New legislation was swiftly introduced.
SB0569 was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley and would have
required a license for any breeder possessing five or more breeding female
dogs. Furthermore, the bill would have allowed more cruelty acts to be
charged as felonies and require (unannounced) inspections of pet stores,
animal shelters, private animal rescues, and commercial breeders every two
years. The bill would also set up a process to hold animal cruelty offenders
financially responsible for caring for the seized animal they harmed.
Currently, taxpayers absorb the cost of providing care, shelter, and
treatment to abused animals.
Shockingly, this common-sense bill did not receive the votes it needed by
members of the New Hampshire State House to be passed into law. Sen. Bradley
said he will likely re-introduce the legislation next year.
Take action. New Hampshire residents,
CONTACT YOUR
LEGISLATORS and urge them to support reasonable animal welfare laws that
prevent breeders from putting profit before humane treatment of animals.
Feel free to use NHES’ sample action letter below.
SAMPLE LETTER:
Re: Failure to pass SB0569
Dear Sen./Rep. [Last Name]
I am writing to express my disappointment that SB0569, a bill to protect the
welfare of animals in commercial breeding ventures, did not pass. This bill
provided common-sense, measurable strategies to prevent animal cruelty,
uncover incidences of animal cruelty early, and remove the financial burden
of animal cruelty crimes on taxpayers and place it where it belongs — on the
wallets of those who harm animals. I hope that this legislation, or similar
legislation is introduced next year. I also hope I can rely on you to
support common-sense legislation to protect the welfare of animals in our
state. Thank you for considering my thoughts.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]