House, Senate fail to agree on animal protection bill

A committee of representatives and senators failed to agree on an animal protection bill this week, meaning the bill is dead this year.

The bill, SB 569, had two major purposes: increase the regulation of animal breeders and allow courts to require accused animal abusers to cover the cost of their pets’ care pending trial.

Support for stronger animal protection laws

SB 569 was prompted by the case of a Wolfeboro woman who was breeding Great Danes in squalor conditions. The New Hampshire Humane Society took custody of almost 100 dogs from her property.

In cases like that, towns and animal shelters must absorb thousands of dollars in costs to care for the animals, who cannot be adopted by new owners until the end of the trial.

As originally written, SB 569 would allow a court to require the accused to post a bond to cover those costs. The pet owner would receive that money back if he or she was found not guilty.

If the owner could not or would not post a bond, the animal could be adopted by a new owner.

Was SB 569 too strict?

Representatives in the House had a problem with that idea. They believed it violated the right to a fair trial before punishment.

Other opponents of SB 569 argued the bill was too strict on animal breeders, and would greatly increase the cost of state regulation.

Click here to learn more about the debate over animal protection laws in New Hampshire.

A conference committee of representatives and senators tried to agree on a compromise version of SB 569, but the committee failed.

Do you think the Legislature should have passed SB 569? Let us know in the comments below.