Karen Couchon

Time is the most critical factor in animal rescue. Current law allows for swift action, but HB 1766 will force cases through a narrow state level bottleneck and forbid licensed humane societies from even being present during investigations. When dealing with 5,600 animals in a single year (like 2025), adding more administrative layers is not the answer; we should be protecting the professional partnerships that already work to stop cruelty and neglect across New Hampshire. When an animal is suffering, they don't need more 'layers' of management or administrative delays; they need a helping hand and a heart that puts their safety first. Doing the right thing means ensuring that organizations like the NHSPCA can continue to help, providing the specialized care and protection that every animal deserves. We must choose a path of compassion that prioritizes the urgency of rescue over procedural delays.