This RSA section is an unofficial mirror, is not legal advice, and may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrectly processed.

RSA 466:42-a · Stealing Dogs; Tampering With Collars

Title: XLV: ANIMALS
Chapter: 466 · DOGS AND CATS
Status: current
Official source linked: Yes

Official source Copy section link

466:42-a Stealing Dogs; Tampering With Collars. –

Copy link

Whoever steals a dog shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for the first and second offense, and a class B felony for each subsequent offense.

Copy link

II.

Whoever distributes or exposes a poisonous substance with intent that the same shall be eaten by any dog shall be liable to the dog's owner for its value and shall be guilty of a class B felony.

Copy link

III.

(a) An individual other than the owner or the authorized agent of the owner of a dog, shall not willfully or maliciously remove, tamper with, damage, or destroy a collar, tracking collar, or other electronic device placed on a dog by its owner to maintain control or locate the dog.

Copy link

(b)

An individual other than the owner or the authorized agent of the owner of a dog, shall not remove or cause to be removed a microchip from such dog.

Copy link

(c)

An individual who violates this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Copy link

(d)

Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to affect the actions of law enforcement, animal control, or an animal shelter in removing a collar or tracking collar if the dog is in imminent danger or after 7 consecutive days under RSA 466:18-a, and given that all possible effort was made to locate the dog's owner and documentation to that effect is maintained for one year. Source. 1959, 1:1. 1969, 274:1. 1977, 588:6, eff. Sept. 16, 1977. 2021, 155:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.

Copy link

Source note

Source. 1959, 1:1. 1969, 274:1. 1977, 588:6, eff. Sept. 16, 1977. 2021, 155:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.

Source history

1959, 1:1
1969, 274:1
1977, 588:6, eff. Sept. 16, 1977
2021, 155:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022

Related materials

Bill relationships

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
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
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
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