New Hampshire Bill to Fight Animal Cruelty Dies in the House
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM

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]


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