Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control Muzzling topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Panel backs local authority to require muzzles for vicious dogs; committee sends HB 250 forward 15-0
Summary
HB 250, which allows local governing bodies to regulate muzzling of dogs found to be vicious under existing RSA language while exempting working and hunting dogs, passed the committee unanimously and was placed on consent.
The House Environment & Agriculture Committee voted unanimously to recommend HB 250, as amended (2025-0896h), which enables local governing bodies to require muzzles for dogs classified as nuisance, menace or vicious under existing RSA provisions while expressly exempting working and hunting dogs.
Representative Bixby said the amendment narrows the original bill to avoid breed-based measures and to preserve exemptions for hunting and working animals. Committee members discussed ambiguity in RSA 466:31 about the definition of “vicious.” Representative Freeman argued for a plain-language reading: “vicious is vicious,” describing it as aggressive behavior such as lunging or biting. Several members said they intend to pursue clarifying statutory language in future sessions to avoid uneven municipal interpretation.
Formal action: the committee adopted amendment 2025-0896h (roll call 15-0), then voted OTP (roll call 15-0) and later OTPA with the amendment (roll call 15-0). Members recommended placing HB 250 on the consent calendar.
Supporters said the amendment provides municipalities the tools to address genuinely dangerous dogs while protecting working and hunting animals. Some members requested further statutory clarification of “vicious” outside the current bill.
