CHAPTER 98
SB 79-FN-LOCAL - FINAL VERSION
03/27/03 0950s
05/15/03 1599eba
2003 SESSION
08/10
SENATE BILL 79-FN-LOCAL
AN ACT relative to penalties for the exhibition of fighting animals.
SPONSORS: Sen. Roberge, Dist 9; Sen. Below, Dist 5; Sen. Estabrook, Dist 21; Sen. Barnes, Dist 17; Sen. Gatsas, Dist 16; Rep. P. Katsakiores, Rock 77; Rep. Kaen, Straf 72; Rep. Rous, Straf 72
COMMITTEE: Wildlife and Recreation
This bill increases penalties for the keeping, training and breeding of animals for exhibition as fighting animals.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
03/27/03 0950s
05/15/03 1599eba
03-0612
08/10
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Three
AN ACT relative to penalties for the exhibition of fighting animals.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
98:1 Fighting Animals. Amend RSA 644:8-a to read as follows:
644:8-a Exhibitions of Fighting Animals.
I. No person shall keep, breed, or train any bird, dog, or other animal, with the intent that it or its offspring shall be engaged or used in an exhibition of fighting, or shall establish or promote an exhibition of the fighting thereof. Whoever violates the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a class B felony [in the case of dogs, and a misdemeanor in the case of birds or other animals].
II. Any person present at any place or building when preparations are being made for an exhibition of such fighting with intent to be present at such exhibition, or present at, aiding in or contributing to, such an exhibition, shall be guilty of a class B felony [in the case of dogs, and a misdemeanor in the case of birds or other animals].
III. All animals so kept, bred, or trained by a person charged with violating the provisions of paragraph I may be seized by the arresting officer, pursuant to RSA 595-A:6 and RSA 644:8. Upon said person's conviction, said animals may, at the discretion of the court, be destroyed in a humane manner by a licensed veterinarian. The costs, if any, incurred in boarding the animals, pending disposition of the case, and in disposing of the animals, upon a conviction of said person for violating paragraph I, shall be borne by the person so convicted.
98:2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2004.
(Approved: June 6, 2003)
(Effective Date: January 1, 2004)