STATE

YEAR

PROVISIONS

REMEDY OR PENALTY

NEW HAMPSHIRE (Agriculture, Horticulture And Animal Husbandry –Sale Of Pets And Disposition Of Unclaimed Animals –
Sale Of Animals And Birds) N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §437:4 Prohibition

1985

Prohibits licensed animal sellers from selling, offering to sell, or giving away a maimed, sick or diseased animal or bird. 

Exception:  Transferring the animal to a vet or animal shelter.

Also prohibits a licensed animal seller from inhumanely treating any animal or bird in his/her care, possession or control.

As per §437:9:  Misdemeanor.

1^st Violation: Minimum $100 fine.

2^nd Violation: $200 fine.

Subsequent Violations: $500 fine.

As per §437:11, license may be suspended or revoked and as per §437:9 animals can be confiscated to a safe place.

(Agriculture, Horticulture And Animal Husbandry –Sale Of Pets And Disposition Of Unclaimed Animals – Sale Of Animals And Birds) N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §437:10 Dogs, cats and ferrets

1985

Prohibits selling a dog, cat, or ferret without vaccinating against infectious diseases and unless accompanied by an official health certificate from a licensed vet within 14 days of sale. One copy of the certificate must be given to the purchaser.  [See the statute for additional provisions.]

The original certificate accompanying the dog, cat, or ferret must be kept on the premises where animals are displayed, and made available for inspection on request. The public will be informed of their right to inspect the certificate by a sign prominently displayed in the area where the animals are displayed. At sale, this certificate must be updated if any other medication or treatment has been given to the animal and must be given to the purchaser.

Requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets received for resale must be held for 48 hours and must be kept separately from other animals on the premises.  They cannot be offered for sale during the 48 hours. [See Pet Dealers chapter for additional provisions under this statute.]

Exception for animal shelters.  [See the statute for details.]

As per §437:9:  Misdemeanor.

1^st Violation: Minimum $100 fine.

2^nd Violation: $200 fine.

Subsequent Violations: $500 fine.

As per §437:11, license may be suspended or revoked and as per §437:9 animals can be confiscated to a safe place.

(Agriculture, Horticulture And Animal Husbandry – Sale Of Pets And Disposition Of Unclaimed Animals – Importation And Sale) §437:13 Examination by licensed veterinarian

1985

Within 14 days of sale, the purchaser of a dog, cat, or ferret may have the animal examined by a licensed vet.  Unless the exam indicates the animal is free of disease, the purchaser is entitled to choose from the following:

·         substitution of another animal; or

·         full refund.

Purchaser must return the animal to the licensee within 2 business days of exam accompanied by the vet's certificate.

As per §437:9:  Misdemeanor.

1^st Violation: Minimum $100 fine.

2^nd Violation: $200 fine.

Subsequent Violations: $500 fine.

As per §437:11, license may be suspended or revoked and as per §437:9 animals can be confiscated to a safe place.

(Agriculture, Horticulture And Animal Husbandry – Sale Of Pets And Disposition Of Unclaimed Animals – Breeder's Health Certificate For Cats) §437:13-a Health certificate for cats

1987

Prohibits cats from being transferred for a fee without first being vaccinated and unless accompanied by an official health certificate issued by a vet within 14 days. Certificate must be kept by the transferor of the animal for at least 3 years, and 1 copy must be given to the new owner.

An official health certificate means a certificate signed by a licensed vet on a form approved by the state vet:

·         containing the name and address of person transferring ownership;

·         the age, sex, breed and description of the animal;

·         a list of all vaccines or medications administered; and

·         certification by the vet that the cat is free from visual evidence of any communicable diseases.

[See the Pet Dealers chapter for additional provisions under this statute.]

Exception:  Incorporated or chartered humane societies with operating shelters.

1^st Violation: Minimum $100 fine.

2^nd Violation: $200 fine.

Subsequent Violations: $500 fine.

As per §437:11, license may be suspended or revoked and as per §437:9 animals can be confiscated to a safe place.

Commissioner of agriculture enforces this statute.