Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote on a motion to adopt an "ought to pass as amended" report on a bill that amends regulations and reporting laws for pet vendors.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a pet vendor from transferring an animal to a member of the public without a license from the state’s Department of Agriculture, which must be obtained and renewed each year for a $200 annual fee (Sec. 3).  

• Defines “transfer” as the sale or transfer of ownership of a live animal to a member of the public for use as a household pet, with or without a fee or donation required, and when the transfer to the final owner occurs in New Hampshire (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes the department to suspend or revoke a license at any time if it determines the conditions under which the license was issued are not being maintained (Sec. 3).

• Requires the department to initiate an investigation of any written complaint alleging violation of these requirements within 10 business days of such complaint (Sec. 3).

• Prohibits the written complaint from being anonymous and authorizes the entity that is allegedly in violation to receive a copy of the full complaint upon request (Sec. 3).

• Requires pet vendors to submit to unannounced inspections by department employees or local animal control, law enforcement, or health officials (Sec. 3).

• Exempts pet vendors without a physical facility in New Hampshire from the unannounced inspections, but requires such vendors to submit an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection from the state of origin for every imported animal (Sec. 3).

• Requires pet vendors to maintain for 3 years a record of the following information (Sec. 3):

• The individual to whom an animal was transferred; and

• Documentation of any examinations, treatments, or procedures performed on the animal.

• Specifies that there are 5 types of pet vendors: rescue facilities, animal shelters, brokers, commercial breeding kennels, and pet stores (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote on a motion to adopt an "ought to pass" report on a bill that amends regulations and reporting laws for pet vendors.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a pet vendor from transferring an animal to a member of the public without a license from the state’s Department of Agriculture, which must be obtained and renewed each year for a $200 annual fee (Sec. 3).  

• Defines “transfer” as the sale or transfer of ownership of a live animal to a member of the public for use as a household pet, with or without a fee or donation required, and when the transfer to the final owner occurs in New Hampshire (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes the department to suspend or revoke a license at any time if it determines the conditions under which the license was issued are not being maintained (Sec. 3).

• Requires the department to initiate an investigation of any written complaint alleging violation of these requirements within 10 business days of such complaint (Sec. 3).

• Prohibits the written complaint from being anonymous and authorizes the entity that is allegedly in violation to receive a copy of the full complaint upon request (Sec. 3).

• Requires pet vendors to submit to unannounced inspections by department employees or local animal control, law enforcement, or health officials (Sec. 3).

• Exempts pet vendors without a physical facility in New Hampshire from the unannounced inspections, but requires such vendors to submit an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection from the state of origin for every imported animal (Sec. 3).

• Requires pet vendors to maintain for 3 years a record of the following information (Sec. 3):

• The individual to whom an animal was transferred; and

• Documentation of any examinations, treatments, or procedures performed on the animal.

• Specifies that there are 5 types of pet vendors: rescue facilities, animal shelters, brokers, commercial breeding kennels, and pet stores (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text