Council authorizes civil forfeiture letters for unlicensed dogs; HB 86 cited on certified‑mail costs

The Bedford Town Council voted 5–2 on June 25 to authorize issuance of civil forfeiture letters and collection of fines for dog owners whose animals were not licensed. Councilor Bill Carter moved the measure under RSA 466:14, with Councilor Kathleen Bemis seconding; the motion passed with two dissenting votes.

A staff speaker explained the town’s unlicensed‑dog inventory has improved compared with the previous year, and that the town currently shows 619 unlicensed dogs (town staff compared to prior numbers of 789 and earlier totals). The presenter said HB 86, approved May 8, 2025, takes effect July 7 and allows towns to collect the full cost of certified mail as part of civil forfeiture enforcement; the statutory fine for civil forfeiture itself remains $25.

The clerk explained the town mails multiple reminders (three emails if an email is on file, a postcard in April and follow‑up notices) and also receives rabies‑vaccination notifications from veterinarians that prompt licensing outreach. She described efforts to remove dogs believed to have moved out of town from the list and to trace family members where possible. The council discussed outreach methods, possible online certified‑mail options to reduce staff time and the limits of municipal authority for enforcement; one councilor noted the civil forfeiture fines are remitted to the town general fund.

The motion approved reads: pursuant to RSA 466:14, authorize the town clerk and animal control officer on behalf of the town council to send civil forfeiture letters and collect civil forfeiture fines to all dog owners of Bedford who have not licensed their dog as of July 8, 2025. Council recorded the vote and instructed staff to circulate the warrant for signatures. The council did not change the underlying licensing fees or state law.