This RSA section is an unofficial mirror, is not legal advice, and may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrectly processed.
RSA 466:30-b · Referendum
466:30-b Referendum. –
Copy link(a) Any city or town desiring to adopt the provisions of RSA 466:30-a may do so by approving as described in paragraph II or III the following question: "Shall we adopt the provisions of RSA 466:30-a which make it unlawful for any dog to run at large, except when accompanied by the owner or custodian, and when used for hunting, herding, supervised competition and exhibition or training for such?"
Copy linkThe ballot containing the question shall include 2 squares next to the question allowing the voter to vote "Yes" or "No." If no cross is made in either of the squares, the ballot shall not be counted on the question.
Copy linkIf a majority of those voting on the question vote "Yes," RSA 466:30-a shall apply within the city or town.
Copy link(a) In a town, the question shall be included in the annual meeting warrant upon a vote of the selectmen or upon application of voters according to the provisions of RSA 39:3 for annual meetings.
Copy linkThe selectmen shall hold a public hearing on the question at least 15 days but not more than 30 days before the annual meeting. Notice of the hearing shall be posted in 2 public places in the town and published in a newspaper of general circulation in the town at least 7 days in advance.
Copy linkVoting shall be by official ballot if that system has been adopted by the town. In other towns, voting shall be by a special ballot prepared by the clerk.
Copy linkIn a city, the question shall be placed on the official ballot for any regular municipal election upon a vote of the city council or upon submission to the city council of a petition signed by 5 percent of the registered voters.
Copy linkAny town or city which has adopted RSA 466:30-a may rescind its adoption by majority vote of those voting on the question submitted to the voters in the same manner as provided for adoption under paragraph II or III. The question on rescission shall read: "Shall we rescind our adoption of RSA 466:30-a concerning dog control so that it will no longer be unlawful for a dog to run at large in this town (or city)?"
Copy linkA town or city which either does not adopt, or rescinds its adoption of, RSA 466:30-a, may adopt other ordinances pertaining to dogs running at large under RSA 31:39 or RSA 47:17, XI. Source. 1977, 379:1. 1979, 14:1. 1981, 407:1, eff. Aug. 22, 1981.
Copy linkSource note
Source. 1977, 379:1. 1979, 14:1. 1981, 407:1, eff. Aug. 22, 1981.
Source history
- 1977, 379:1
- 1979, 14:1
- 1981, 407:1, eff. Aug. 22, 1981
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Bill relationships
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2026 HB1133
amend · effective 2027-01-01
dogs. Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened: 1 New Section; Livestock Guardian Dogs; Registration; Nuisance Behavior. Amend RSA 466 by inserting after section 1-d the following new section: 466:1-e Livestock Guardian Dogs. I. For the purposes of this section, “livestock guardian dog” means a dog that is specifically trained and used for the
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2026 HB1153
add
House of Representatives in General Court convened: 1 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study the New Hampshire laws relative to dogs and cats in RSA 466. 2 Membership and Compensation. I. The members of the committee shall be as follows: (a) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. (b) One member
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2026 HB1153-FN-L
add
House of Representatives in General Court convened: 1 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study the New Hampshire laws relative to dogs and cats in RSA 466. 2 Membership and Compensation. I. The members of the committee shall be as follows: (a) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. (b) One member
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2026 HB1253
amend · effective 2027-01-01
ultural crops, guarding livestock, or herding livestock. Nothing herein provided shall mean that the dog must be within sight at all times. 2 New Sections; Guardian Dogs. Amend RSA 466 by inserting after section 30-b the following new sections: 466:30-c Livestock Guardian Dogs. I. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a dog may run at large while it is actively engaged in the protection, herdi