Title LXII. Criminal Code (Ch. 625 to 651-F). Chapter 644. Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses.
644:8 Cruelty to Animals.
644:8-a Exhibitions of Fighting Animals.
644:8-aa Animals in Motor Vehicle.
644:8-b Docking Tail of Horse.
644:8-c Animal Use in Science Classes and Science Fairs.
644:8-d Maiming or Causing the Death of or Willful Interference With Police Dogs or Horses.
644:8-e Willful Interference With Organizations or Projects Involving Animals or With Animal Facilities.
644:8-f Transporting Dogs in Pickup Trucks.
644:8-g Bestiality.
Title XL. Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry (Ch. 425 to 439-a). Chapter 437-B. Cost of Care Fund.
437-B:1 Cost of Care Fund.
Links on other pages:
Title XL. Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry. Chapter 437. Sale of Pets and Disposition of Unclaimed Animals. Sale of Animals and Birds.
437:14 Artificial Coloring.
437:17 Penalty.
Title XLV. Animals. Chapter 466. Dogs and Cats. Licensing of Dogs.
466:40 Mutilation Prohibited.
466:40-a Possession of Cropped Dog.
Repealed laws:
Title VII. Sheriffs, Constables, and Police Officers (Ch. 104 to 106-K). Chapter 105. Police Officers and Watchmen. Domestic Animals.
105:14 Cruelty to Animals. - 105:14 to 105:18 Repealed. [Repealed 2018, 170:2, II, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.]
105:15 Examination, etc.- 105:14 to 105:18 Repealed. [Repealed 2018, 170:2, II, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.]
105:16 Expenses.- 105:14 to 105:18 Repealed. [Repealed 2018, 170:2, II, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.]
105:17 Arrest.- 105:14 to 105:18 Repealed. [Repealed 2018, 170:2, II, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.]
105:18 Special Deputies.- 105:14 to 105:18 Repealed. [Repealed 2018, 170:2, II, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.]
I. In this section, “cruelty” shall include, but not be limited to, acts or omissions injurious or detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of any animal, including the abandoning of any animal without proper provision for its care, sustenance, protection or shelter.
II. In this section, “animal” means a domestic animal, a household pet or a wild animal in captivity.
II-a. In this section, “shelter” or “necessary shelter” for dogs shall mean any natural or artificial area which provides protection from the direct sunlight and adequate air circulation when that sunlight is likely to cause heat exhaustion of a dog tied or caged outside. Shelter from the weather shall allow the dog to remain clean and dry. Shelter shall be structurally sound and have an area within to afford the dog the ability to stand up, turn around and lie down, and be of proportionate size as to allow the natural body heat of the dog to be retained.
III. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor for a first offense, and of a class B felony for a second or subsequent offense, who:
(a) Without lawful authority negligently deprives or causes to be deprived any animal in his possession or custody necessary care, sustenance or shelter;
(b) Negligently beats, cruelly whips, tortures, mutilates or in any other manner mistreats or causes to be mistreated any animal;
(c) Negligently overdrives, overworks, drives when overloaded, or otherwise abuses or misuses any animal intended for or used for labor;
(d) Negligently transports any animal in his possession or custody in a manner injurious to the health, safety or physical well-being of such animal;
(e) Negligently abandons any animal previously in his or her possession or custody by causing such animal to be left without supervision or adequate provision for its care, sustenance, or shelter;
(f) Has in his or her possession an equine colt that is less than 90 days old that is not being nursed by its dam, unless the colt was born in this state, and its dam has died within this state before the colt became 90 days old;
(g) Sells an equine colt that is less than 90 days old that is not being nursed by its dam; or
(h) Otherwise negligently permits or causes any animal in his or her possession or custody to be subjected to cruelty, inhumane treatment, or unnecessary suffering of any kind.
III-a. A person is guilty of a class B felony who purposely beats, cruelly whips, tortures, or mutilates any animal or causes any animal to be beaten, cruelly whipped, tortured, or mutilated.
IV. (a)(1) Any person charged with animal cruelty under paragraphs III or III-a may have his or her animals confiscated by the arresting officer.
(2) A person charged under this section may petition the court to seek an examination of the animals by a veterinarian licensed under RSA 332-B of his or her choice at the expense of the person charged.
(3) Courts shall give cases in which animals have been confiscated by an arresting officer priority on the court calendar. In cases in which animals have been confiscated by an arresting officer or his or her agency, a status hearing shall be held by the court within 14 days of the confiscation of the animals.
(4) Any person with proof of sole ownership or co-ownership of an animal confiscated by an arresting officer in an animal cruelty case and who is not a defendant or party of interest in the criminal case may petition the court for temporary custody of the animal. The court shall give such person priority for temporary custody of the animal if the court determines it is in the best interest of the animal's health, safety, and wellbeing.
(5) No custodian of an animal confiscated under this section shall spay or neuter or otherwise permanently alter the confiscated animal in his or her custody pending final disposition of the court case unless a treating veterinarian deems such procedure necessary to save the life of the animal.
(6) Upon a person's conviction of cruelty to animals, the court shall dispose of the confiscated animal in any manner it decides except in a case in which the confiscated animal is owned or co-owned by persons other than the defendant. If the defendant does not have an ownership interest in the confiscated animal, the court shall give priority to restoring full ownership rights to any person with proof of ownership if the court determines that such is in the best interest of the animal's health, safety, and wellbeing. If the confiscated animal is co-owned by the defendant, the court shall give priority to transferring the defendant's interest in the property to the remaining owner or co-owners equitably if the court determines that such is in the best interest of the animal's health, safety, and wellbeing.
(7) The costs to provide the confiscated animals with humane care and adequate and necessary veterinary services, if any, incurred in boarding and treating the animal, pending disposition of the case, and in disposing of the animal upon a conviction of said person for cruelty to animals, shall be borne by the person so convicted in accordance with rules adopted by the department of agriculture, markets, and food.
(b) In addition, the court may prohibit any person convicted of a misdemeanor offense of animal cruelty under RSA 644:8, RSA 644:8-aa, RSA 644:8-b, RSA 644:8-c, or RSA 644:8-d, or violation of RSA 644:8-f from having future ownership or custody of, or residing with other animals for any period of time the court deems reasonable or impose any other reasonable restrictions on the person's future ownership or custody of animals as necessary for the protection of the animals. The court shall prohibit or limit any person convicted of a felony offense of animal cruelty under RSA 644:8 or a misdemeanor or felony offense of bestiality under RSA 644:8-g from having future ownership or custody of other animals for a minimum of 5 years, and may impose any other reasonable restrictions on the person's future ownership or custody of, or residing or having contact with animals as necessary for the protection of the animals. For the purposes of this paragraph, a reasonable restriction on future contact may include limiting a person from engaging in any employment in the care of animals or other similar contact as the court sees fit. Any animal involved in a violation of a court order prohibiting or limiting ownership or custody of animals shall be subject to immediate forfeiture. Any person violating such order may, in addition to being held in criminal contempt of court or subject to a probation violation, be fined in the amount of $1,000 in any court of competent jurisdiction for each animal held in unlawful ownership or custody.
(c) If a person convicted of any offense of cruelty to animals appeals the conviction in an initial de novo or subsequent appeal and any confiscated animal remains in the custody of the arresting officer, the arresting officer's agency, or the arresting officer's agency's designee pending disposition of the appeal, in order for the defendant or appellant to maintain a future interest in the animal, the trial or appellate court, after consideration of the income of the defendant or appellant, may require the defendant or appellant to post a bond or other security in an amount not exceeding $2,000 for each animal in custody for costs expected to be incurred for the board and care of the animal during the trial, trial de novo, or appeal. Such bond or security shall be posted to the court within 30 days. If such bond or security is not paid within 30 days after the court orders the bond or security to be posted, the animals shall be forfeited to the arresting officer, the arresting officer's agency, or the arresting officer's agency's designee. The court may, for good cause, extend the deadline by no more than 15 days. If the conviction is affirmed on appeal, the costs incurred for the board and care of the animal, from the date the animal or animals were originally confiscated, shall be paid to the custodial agency from the posted security and the balance, if any, shall be returned to the person who posted it. A court shall order the return of any bond or security upon a court approved agreement of the parties, a finding of not guilty, or the reversal of a conviction, unless it is a reversal with remand for further proceeding.
IV-a. (a) Except as provided in subparagraphs (b) and (c) any appropriate law enforcement officer, animal control officer, or officer of a duly licensed humane society may take into temporary protective custody any animal when there is probable cause to believe that it has been or is being abused or neglected in violation of paragraphs III or III-a when there is a clear and imminent danger to the animal's health or life and there is not sufficient time to obtain a court order. Such officer shall leave a written notice indicating the type and number of animals taken into protective custody, the name of the officer, the time and date taken, the reason it was taken, the procedure to have the animal returned and any other relevant information. Such notice shall be left at the location where the animal was taken into custody. The officer shall provide for proper care and housing of any animal taken into protective custody under this paragraph. If, after 7 days, the animal has not been returned or claimed, the officer shall petition the municipal or district court seeking either permanent custody or a one-week extension of custody or shall file charges under this section. If a week's extension is granted by the court and after a period of 14 days the animal remains unclaimed, the title and custody of the animal shall rest with the officer on behalf of the officer's department or society. The department or society may dispose of the animal in any lawful and humane manner as if it were the rightful owner. If after 14 days the officer or the officer's department determines that charges should be filed under this section, the officer shall petition the court.
(b) For purposes of subparagraph (a) the investigating officer for livestock, as defined in RSA 427:38, III, shall be accompanied by a veterinarian licensed under RSA 332-B or the state veterinarian who shall set the probable cause criteria for taking the animal or animals.
(c)(1) For purposes of subparagraph (a), for facilities licensed to conduct live running or harness horseracing or live dog racing pursuant to RSA 284, the appropriate law enforcement officer, animal control officer, or officer of a duly licensed humane society shall:
(A) Notify the director of the pari-mutuel commission of the circumstances arising under subparagraph (a);
(B) Enter the grounds of the facility with the director of the pari-mutuel commission or such person designated by the director of the pari-mutuel commission;
(C) Take such horses or dogs into temporary protective custody as determined by the director of the pari-mutuel commission or such person designated by the director of the pari-mutuel commission; and
(D) Comply with subparagraph (a) after taking a horse or dog from a facility licensed pursuant to RSA 284 into temporary protective custody.
(2) This paragraph shall not preempt existing or enforcement authority of the pari-mutuel commission, pursuant to RSA 284 or rules and regulations adopted pursuant to such authority.
V. A veterinarian licensed to practice in the state shall be held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decisions made for services rendered under the provisions of this section or RSA 435:11-16. Such a veterinarian is, therefore, under this paragraph, protected from a lawsuit for his part in an investigation of cruelty to animals.
Credits
Source. 1971, 518:1. 1975, 460:1. 1979, 23:1. 1981, 575:2. 1982, 8:4. 1983, 231:2. 1985, 72:3. 1989, 57:1. 1994, 234:1-3. 1998, 283:1. 1999, 152:1; 308:1. 2000, 4:1. 2008, 240:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; 288:1, 2, eff. July 1, 2008. 2018, 170:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2019. 2019, 306:10, eff. Jan. 1, 2020.
Amendments:
--2019. Paragraph IV: Rewrote the paragraph, which prior thereto read:
"IV. (a) In addition to being guilty of crimes as provided in paragraphs III and III-a, any person charged with cruelty to animals may have his or her animal confiscated by the arresting officer and, upon said person's conviction of cruelty to animals, the court may dispose of said animal in any manner it decides. Courts shall give cases in which animals have been confiscated by an arresting officer priority on the court calendar. The costs, if any, incurred in boarding and treating the animal, pending disposition of the case, and in disposing of the animal, upon a conviction of said person for cruelty to animals, shall be borne by the person so convicted. In addition, the court may prohibit any person convicted of animal cruelty from having future ownership or custody of other animals for any period of time the court deems reasonable or impose any other reasonable restrictions on the person's future ownership or custody of animals as necessary for the protection of the animals.
“(b) If a person convicted of cruelty to animals appeals the conviction and any confiscated animal remains in the custody of the arresting officer or the officer's designee pending disposition of the appeal, in order for the appellant to maintain a future interest in the animal, the trial court may require the appellant to post a bond or other security in an amount not exceeding $2,000 for each animal in custody for costs expected to be incurred for the board and care of the animal during the appeal. If the conviction is affirmed on appeal, the costs incurred for the board and care of the animal shall be paid to the custodian from the posted security and the balance, if any, returned to the person who posted it.”
--2018. Paragraph III: Inserted “or her” following “his”, inserted a comma following “sustenance” and deleted “or” from the end of subpar. (e); inserted new text as subpars. (f) and (g); redesignated the text of former subpar. (f) as subpar. (h); and inserted “or her” and inserted a comma following “inhumane treatment” in subpar. (h), as so designated.
Aendments--2008. Paragraph II-a: Chapter 240:1 inserted “and adequate air circulation” following “direct sunlight” in the first sentence and substituted “from the weather shall allow the dog to remain clean and dry. Shelter shall be structurally sound and have” for “from inclement weather shall have” thereby creating two sentences.
Paragraph IV-a(a); Chapter 288:1 substituted “subparagraphs (b) and (c)” for “subparagraph (b)” and inserted “or is being” following “that it has been” in the first sentence.
Paragraph IV-a(c): Amended generally by ch. 288:2.
644:8-a Exhibitions of Fighting Animals.
I. No person shall offer for sale, sell, loan, export, 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.
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.
III. (a) Any person who possesses, owns, buys, sells, transfers, or manufactures animal fighting paraphernalia with the intent to engage in or otherwise promote or facilitate such fighting shall be guilty of a class B felony.
(b) For purposes of this section, “animal fighting paraphernalia” means equipment, products, implements, and materials of any kind that are used, intended for use, or designed for use in the training, preparation, conditioning, or furtherance of animal fighting, and includes, but is not limited to, the following: breaking sticks, cat mills, fighting pits, springpoles, unprescribed anabolic steroids, unprescribed anti-inflammatory steroids, unprescribed antibiotics, treatment supplies or gaffs, slashers, heels, or any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a cock or game fowl.
(c) In determining whether an object is animal fighting paraphernalia, the court shall consider any prior convictions under federal or state law relating to animal fighting, the proximity of the object in time and space to the direct violation of this section, direct or circumstantial evidence of the intent of the accused to deliver the object to persons whom he or she knows or should reasonably know intend to use the object to facilitate a violation of this section, oral or written instructions provided with or in the vicinity of the object concerning its use, descriptive materials accompanying the object which explain or depict its use, and all other logically relevant factors.
IV. 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.
V. Upon conviction of a violation of this section, all animals used or to be used in training, fighting, or baiting, and all equipment, paraphernalia, and money involved in a violation of this section may be forfeited to the state at the discretion of the court, pursuant to RSA 595-A:6. Proceeds of any such forfeiture shall be used to reimburse local government and state agencies for the costs of prosecution of animal fighting cases. Proceeds which are not needed for such reimbursement shall be deposited in the companion animal neutering fund, established in RSA 437-A:4-a.
VI. In addition to other penalties prescribed by law, the court shall issue an order prohibiting or limiting a person who is convicted of a violation of this section from owning or possessing any animals for a period not less than 5 years, and may add other reasonable restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals as necessary for the protection of the animals. Any animal involved in a violation of a court order prohibiting or limiting ownership or possession of animals shall be subject to immediate forfeiture. Any person violating such order may, in addition to being held in criminal contempt of court or subject to a probation violation, be fined in the amount of $1,000 in any court of competent jurisdiction for each animal held in unlawful ownership or possession. For purposes of this section, a reasonable restriction on future ownership or possession may include limiting a person from engaging in any employment in the care of animals or other similar contact as the court sees fit.
Credits
Source. 1979, 30:1. 2003, 98:1. 2008, 326:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2009. 2019, 295:1, 2, eff. Oct. 27, 2019.
Amendments--2019. Paragraph I: Chapter 295:1 inserted “offer for sale, sell, loan, export,” in the first sentence.
Paragraph III: Chapter 295:2 inserted a new paragraph and redesignated former par. III as IV.
Paragraph IV: Redesignated from former par. III and former par. IV redesignated as V by ch. 295:2.
Paragraph V: Redesignated from former par. IV and former par. V redesignated as VI by ch. 295:2.
Paragraph VI: Redesignated from former par. V, and as so designated substituted “the court shall issue an order prohibiting or limiting a person who is convicted of a violation of this section from owning or possessing any animals for a period not less than 5 years, and may add other reasonable restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals as necessary for the protection of the animals” for “the court may issue an order prohibiting a person who is convicted of a violation of this section from owning or possessing any animals within the species that is the subject of the conviction, or any animals kept for the purpose of training, fighting, or baiting, for a period of time determined by the court” in the first sentence, and added the second through fourth sentences.
Amendments--2008. Paragraphs IV and V: Added.
644:8-aa Animals in Motor Vehicle.
I. It shall be cruelty to confine an animal in a motor vehicle or other enclosed space in which the temperature is either so high or so low as to cause serious harm to the animal. "Animal" means a domestic animal, household pet, or wild animal held in captivity.
II. Any person in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor as set forth in RSA 644:8.
III. Any law enforcement officer or agent of a licensed humane organization may take action necessary to rescue a confined animal endangered by extreme temperatures, and to remove the threat of further serious harm.
IV. No officer or agent taking action under paragraph III shall be liable for damage reasonably necessary to rescue the confined animal.
HISTORY
Source. 1981, 575:1, eff. July 7, 1981.
644:8-b Docking Tail of Horse.
If any person shall cut the bone of the tail of a horse for the purpose of docking the tail, or shall cause or knowingly permit the same to be done upon the premises of which he is in control, or shall assist in or be present at such cutting, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Written permission from the state veterinarian shall be obtained by a licensed veterinarian to perform surgical operations pursuant to this section. The state veterinarian shall promulgate rules relative to granting authorization for such operation.
HISTORY
Source. 1979, 263:1, eff. Aug. 20, 1979.
644:8-c Animal Use in Science Classes and Science Fairs.
I. In this section:
(a) "Animal" means any member of the kingdom of Animalia.
(b) "Vertebrate animal" means any animal belonging to the subphylum Vertebrata of the phylum Chordata, and specifically includes all mammals, fishes, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
II. Live vertebrate animals shall not be used in experiments or observational studies, with the following exceptions:
(a) Observational studies may be made of the normal living patterns of wild animals, in the free living state or in zoological parks, gardens, or aquaria.
(b) Observational studies may be made of the living patterns of vertebrate animals in the classroom.
(c) Observational studies on bird egg embryos are permitted. However, if normal bird embryos are to be allowed to hatch, satisfactory humane consideration shall be made for disposal of the baby birds.
(d) Vertebrate animal cells such as red blood cells or other tissue cells, plasma or serum, or anatomical specimens, such as organs, tissues, or skeletons, may be used in experiments or observational studies.
III. No school principal, administrator or teacher shall allow any live vertebrate animal to be used in any elementary or secondary school, or in any activity associated with such school, such as science fairs, as part of a scientific experiment or procedure in which the health of the animal is interfered with, or in which pain, suffering, or distress is caused. Such experiments and procedures include, but are not limited to, surgery, anesthetization, and the inducement by any means of painful, lethal, or pathological conditions through techniques that include, but are not limited to:
(a) Administration of drugs;
(b) Exposure to pathogens, ionizing radiation, carcinogens, or to toxic or hazardous substances;
(c) Deprivation; or
(d) Electric shock or other distressing stimuli.
IV. All experiments on live vertebrate animals which are not prohibited by this section shall be carried out under the supervision of a competent science teacher who shall be responsible for ensuring that the student has the necessary comprehension for the study to be undertaken.
V. No person shall, in the presence of a pupil in any elementary or secondary school, perform any of the procedures or experiments described in paragraph III or exhibit any vertebrate animal that has been used in such manner. Dissection of any dead animal, or portions thereof, shall be confined to the presence of students engaged in the study to be promoted by the dissections.
VI. Science fair projects originating in other states that do not conform with the provisions of this section shall not be exhibited within the state.
VII. Any live animal kept in any elementary or secondary school shall be housed and cared for in a humane and safe manner and shall be the personal responsibility of the teacher or other adult supervisor of the project or study.
VIII. Ordinary agricultural procedures taught in animal husbandry courses shall not be prohibited by this section.
IX. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
HISTORY
Source. 1985, 54:1, eff. June 22, 1985.
644:8-d Maiming or Causing the Death of or Willful Interference With Police Dogs or Horses.
I. Whoever willfully tortures, beats, kicks, strikes, mutilates, injures, disables, or otherwise mistreats, or whoever willfully causes the death of a dog or horse owned or employed by or on behalf of a law enforcement agency and whoever knows that such dog or horse is owned or employed by or on behalf of a law enforcement agency shall be guilty of a class B felony.
II. Whoever willfully interferes or attempts to interfere with the lawful performance of a dog or horse owned or employed by or on behalf of a law enforcement agency and whoever knows that such dog or horse is owned or employed by or on behalf of a law enforcement agency shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
HISTORY
Source. 1988, 203:1. 1994, 111:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995. 1998, 365:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1999.
644:8-e Willful Interference With Organizations or Projects Involving Animals or With Animal Facilities.
I. Whoever willfully causes bodily injury or willfully interferes with any property, including animals or records, used by any organization or project involving animals, or with any animal facility shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
II. Whoever in the course of a violation of paragraph I causes serious bodily injury to another individual or economic loss in excess of $10,000 shall be guilty of a class B felony, and may be subject to an order of restitution pursuant to RSA 651:63.
III. For the purposes of this section:
(a) "An organization or project involving animals" means:
(1) A commercial or academic enterprise that uses animals for food or fiber production, agriculture, research, education, or testing.
(2) Any lawful competitive animal event, including but not limited to conformation shows or obedience trials, field trials, agility events, hunts, sled races, or training activities.
(3) Any fair or similar event intended to advance the agricultural arts and sciences.
(b) "Animal facilities" means any vehicle, building, structure, research facility, or premises where an animal is kept, handled, housed, exhibited, bred or offered for sale.
(c) "Economic loss" means "economic loss" as defined in RSA 651:62, III.
IV. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict any constitutional, statutory, regulatory or common law right.
HISTORY
Source. 1993, 170:1, eff. May 24, 1993.
644:8-f Transporting Dogs in Pickup Trucks.
I. No person driving a pickup truck shall transport any dog in the back of the vehicle on a public way, unless the space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of at least 46 inches extending vertically from the floor, the dog is cross tethered to the vehicle, the dog is protected by a secured container or cage, or the dog is otherwise protected, in a manner which will prevent the dog from being thrown or from falling or jumping from the vehicle.
II. Notwithstanding paragraph I, this section shall not apply to the following:
(a) A dog being used by a farmer or farm employee while actually engaged in farming activities requiring the services of a dog; or
(b) A hunting dog being used at a hunting site or between hunting sites by a licensed hunter who is in possession of all applicable licenses and permits for the species being pursued during the legal season for such activity.
III. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a violation.
HISTORY
Source. 1996, 191:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1997.
I. A person commits bestiality by knowingly committing any of the following acts:
(a) Engaging in sexual contact or sexual penetration with an animal for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.
(b) Offering or accepting the offer of an animal for consideration with the intent that it be subject to sexual contact or sexual penetration by a human.
(c) Photographing or filming or distributing such photographs or films, for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification, of a person engaged in sexual contact or sexual penetration with an animal.
II. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class B felony for a second or subsequent offense.
III. In addition to any other penalty imposed for a violation of this section, the court shall order that the convicted person:
(a) Submit to a psychological assessment and participate in appropriate counseling at the convicted person’s own expense.
(b) Reimburse an animal shelter for any reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of any animal that was taken to the animal shelter as a result of conduct proscribed by this section.
(c) Shall not own, harbor, exercise control over, or reside in the same household with any animal for a period of time deemed reasonable by the court.
IV. This section shall not apply to:
(a) Accepted veterinary medical practices.
(b) Insemination of animals for the purpose of procreation.
(c) Accepted animal husbandry practices that provide care for animals.
V. In this section:
(a) “Animal” means a nonhuman mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian, either dead or alive.
(b) “Sexual contact” means any act between a person or an animal involving direct physical contact between the genitals or anus of one and the mouth, anus, or other part of the body of the other, or direct physical contact between the genitals of one and the genitals of the other, where such contact can be reasonably construed for the purpose of the person’s sexual arousal or gratification.
(c) “Sexual penetration” means any intrusion, however, slight, of any part of the person’s or animal’s body into the body of the other, or any object manipulated by the person into the body of the animal, where such penetration can be reasonably construed for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.
HISTORY
Source. 2016, 321:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2017 at 12:01 a.m.
Title VII. Sheriffs, Constables, and Police Officers (Ch. 104 to 106-K). Chapter 105. Police Officers and Watchmen. Domestic Animals.
105:14 Cruelty to Animals. - 105:14 to 105:18 Repealed. [Repealed 2018, 170:2, II, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.]
Former Text:
Whenever an officer makes an arrest upon view, or upon a warrant for a violation of any provision of RSA 441:4-a, he may take into his possession the animal which is the subject of such cruelty, and if the owner has no knowledge of such taking he shall give him notice forthwith.
HISTORY
Source. 1870, 4:4. GL 281:29. 1881, 10:1. PS 267:2. PL 382:2. RL 445:2. RSA 575:2. 1973, 532:15, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
References in text. RSA 441:4-a, referred to in this section, was recodified as RSA 435:5 by 1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
105:15 Examination, etc. - 105:14 to 105:18 Repealed. [Repealed 2018, 170:2, II, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.]
Former Text:
Whenever an officer shall take any such animal into his possession, which appears by reason of age, injury or other cause to be disabled for use, said officer shall call upon 3 disinterested citizens, who, under oath, shall examine such animal, and if they shall find such animal to be disabled for use said officer shall at once cause such animal to be killed.
HISTORY
Source. 1881, 10:2. PS 267:3. 1897, 22:1. PL 382:3. RL 445:3. RSA 575:3. 1973, 532:15, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
105:16 Expenses. - 105:14 to 105:18 Repealed. [Repealed 2018, 170:2, II, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.]
Former Text:
All expenses incurred under RSA 105:14 and 15 shall be paid by the owner of such animal, and may be collected by an action on the case, or by enforcing a lien upon the animal.
HISTORY
Source. 1881, 10:2. PS 267:3. 1897, 22:1. PL 382:4. RL 445:4. RSA 575:4. 1973, 532:15, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
105:17 Arrest. - 105:14 to 105:18 Repealed. [Repealed 2018, 170:2, II, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.]
Former Text:
If any person shall be found violating the laws in relation to cruelty to animals he may be arrested and held without warrant, in the same manner as in case of persons found breaking the peace.
HISTORY
Source. 1870, 4:4. GL 281:29. PS 267:8. PL 382:12. RL 445:12. RSA 575:12. 1973, 532:15, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
105:18 Special Deputies. - 105:14 to 105:18 Repealed. [Repealed 2018, 170:2, II, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.]
Former Text:
Any officer or agent of any incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, upon being designated in writing for that purpose by the sheriff of any county in this state, may, within such county, make arrests and bring before any court or magistrate having jurisdiction offenders found violating the provisions of this subdivision.
HISTORY
Source. 1870, 4:7. GL 281:32. PS 267:10. PL 382:14. RL 445:14. RSA 575:14. 1973, 532:15, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.
Title XL. Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry (Ch. 425 to 439-a). Chapter 437-B. Cost of Care Fund. 437-B:1 Cost of Care Fund.
I. There is established in the department of agriculture, markets, and food a nonlapsing fund to be known as the cost of care fund which shall be kept distinct and separate from all funds. The cost of care fund is established to assist municipalities in covering the costs of care incurred from caring for animals pending the resolution of any action brought for animal cruelty under RSA 644:8 or RSA 644:8-a.
II. The treasurer shall deposit in the cost of care fund court-ordered restitution for care in animal cruelty cases under RSA 644:8 or RSA 644:8-a as specified in paragraph VI and moneys received from RSA 435:20, IV provided the balance in the cost of care fund shall not exceed $2,000,000.
III. The arresting officer or his or her designee may apply to the commissioner of the department of agriculture, markets, and food for a grant from the cost of care fund to reimburse or pay directly to a third party costs incurred caring for animals in animal cruelty cases brought under RSA 644:8 or RSA 644:8-a during pretrial care, for the period between when the animals are seized and until the final disposition of the case. The commissioner of the department of agriculture, markets, and food shall review such applications, respond to such applications within 15 days, and distribute no more than $500,000 per application.
IV. The commissioner shall establish rules under RSA 541-A relative to:
(a) The administration and disbursement of the cost of care fund, including guidelines to ensure that multiple applicants would have equitable access to grants.
(b) The application process by an arresting officer or his or her designee for financial assistance to cover the cost of emergency veterinary treatment.
V. The commissioner may accept private gifts and donations of any kind for the purpose of supporting the cost of animal care which shall be deposited into the cost of care fund.
VI. If a person is convicted of animal cruelty and is ordered by the court to make restitution, the municipality shall report such restitution to the department of agriculture, markets, and food. If the restitution exceeds the costs incurred by the municipality in caring for the seized animals, that excess shall be remitted to the department and shall be deposited into the cost of care fund.
Credits
Source. 2019, 346:300, eff. July 1, 2019. 2020, 37:98, eff. July 1, 2020. 2024, 38:1, eff. July 30, 2024.