Council authorizes civil forfeiture letters for unlicensed dogs; clerk cites HB 86 change to collection of certified‑mail costs

The Bedford Town Council on June 25 approved issuing civil forfeiture letters and collecting fines for owners of unlicensed dogs identified as of July 8, 2025.

Town staff told council the list of unlicensed dogs had fallen since an earlier mailing; the clerk said the town had about 619 unlicensed dogs at the time of the meeting, down from a larger number earlier in the year. The clerk also told the council that HB 86, approved May 8, 2025 and effective July 7, changes what the town may collect: while the civil forfeiture fine remains $25, the law allows municipalities to collect the full certified‑mail cost rather than a capped $7 service fee, making the certified letter method of enforcement financially feasible.

Councilor Bill Carter moved that the council, "pursuant to RSA 466:14" (as read into the record), authorize the town clerk and animal control officer to send civil forfeiture letters and collect civil forfeiture fines for all Bedford dog owners who had not licensed their dog as of July 8, 2025. Councilor Kathleen Bemis seconded the motion. After a voice vote, the chair reported two opposing votes and that the motion passed by a 5–2 margin.

Councilors asked about the town’s reminder process. The clerk said the town sends three email reminders (if an email is on file), mails a postcard in April, posts on the town website, and relies on community posts and rabies‑vaccination notices from veterinarians to identify new dogs. The clerk also described administrative steps: certified letters are sent when preliminary reminders fail, and staff are exploring online certified‑mail vendors to streamline that step and reduce costs.

The council’s motion authorizes collection of the $25 forfeiture and associated certified‑mail costs under the state statute cited in the motion and to pursue enforcement after the clerk’s notification process.