NH SB619

Requires courts to hold a status hearing within 14 days when animals are confiscated by an arresting officer in animal cruelty cases, with such cases given priority on the court calendar

Authorizes courts to require defendants to post a bond up to $1,000 per confiscated animal or make a disposition determination based on the animal's health, safety, and wellbeing

Forfeits animals to the arresting officer or agency if the required bond is not posted within 30 days (with possible 15-day extension for good cause)

Allows courts to transfer a defendant's ownership interest in a co-owned animal to remaining co-owners if deemed in the animal's best interest

Protects defendants by making hearing results and owner statements inadmissible in related criminal prosecutions; takes effect January 1, 2027