NH HB1766

Prohibits confiscation of animals from suspected abusers unless the person is formally charged with cruelty or the animal's life is in imminent danger requiring temporary protective custody

Requires the state veterinarian or designee to accompany investigating officers (in person or by video) when livestock are involved in cruelty cases to determine probable cause criteria for animal seizure

Mandates that arrested persons be informed in writing of their right to have confiscated animals examined by a veterinarian of their choosing at their own expense

Prohibits custodians from spaying, neutering, or permanently altering confiscated animals without owner consent or veterinary determination that the procedure is life-saving, and allows euthanasia only when an animal is in extreme suffering

Requires owner names and addresses to remain confidential until case adjudication, and mandates that donations raised using stories or images of animals in protective custody be used only for their care

Effective date: January 1, 2027