NH State Legislature: 2026 Session
Veto Messages from Governor Ayotte:
“I fully support making it easier to foster animals as they await safe, loving homes. Unfortunately, SB 475 includes the same problematic language from House Bill 1766, which I vetoed last month. The language in both of these bills makes it harder to respond to animal abuse and neglect cases, costs taxpayers more money, and could lead to forced euthanasia of abused but otherwise healthy animals.
“For these reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 475.”
"Senate Bill 535 weakens existing law by creating a new category of residential breeder and exempts these breeders from any meaningful oversight and regulation. By exempting residential breeders (who transfer up to 50 animals in a calendar year) from the successful pet vendor program, the State risks an increase in animal abuse, neglect, and disease. New Hampshire has a strong history of protecting animal rights and continues to work toward ending the abuse of puppies, kittens, and other animals. This bill is a step in the wrong direction. For these reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 535."
"It’s important that we protect livestock owners’ due process rights and ensure fair treatment under the law. However, HB 1766 would hinder the ability of local law enforcement, veterinarians, and animal welfare professionals to respond to cases involving neglect and abuse of animals. By centralizing power with the State, this bill would increase the size of state government, cost taxpayers more money, increase animals’ pain and suffering, and lead to forced euthanasia of abused but otherwise healthy animals."
NH Laws pertaining to animals
NH RSA 437: Sale of Pets and Disposition of Unclaimed Animals