I. Any dog displaying symptoms which indicate a likelihood that such dog is
afflicted with rabies which has bitten a person and caused a puncture of the
skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure shall be immediately euthanized
and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department
of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for
any expense for euthanizing the dog and for preparing the head for shipment
to the public health laboratory. If the dog is a stray, the rabies control authority
shall be responsible for the expense, and such expense shall be paid from fees
collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6.
II. Any apparently healthy dog not vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100,
or whose vaccination status is unknown which has bitten any person and caused
a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure of such person,
shall be seized and impounded under the supervision of the local authorities
for a period of not less than 10 days. If, upon examination by a licensed veterinarian,
the dog has no signs of rabies at the end of said impoundment, it may be released
to the owner or, in the case of a stray, it shall be disposed of in accordance
with applicable laws. Any illness in the dog during confinement or before release
shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies
develop, the dog shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the
public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall
be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and for
the impoundment of the dog. The owner shall also be responsible for any expense
for euthanizing the dog and for preparing the head for shipment to the public
health laboratory. If the dog is a stray, the rabies control authority shall
be responsible for the expense, and such expense shall be paid from fees collected
under RSA 466:4 and 466:6.
III. Except as provided in RSA 436:105-b, any healthy dog vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100, which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or caused a nonbite exposure, shall be confined by the owner or other responsible person as required by local authorities for a period of 10 days, at which time the dog shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian. If no signs of rabies are observed by the veterinarian, the dog may be released from confinement. Any illness in the dog during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the dog shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and for the impoundment of the dog. The owner shall also be responsible for any expense for euthanizing the dog and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the dog is a stray, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense incurred, and such expense shall be paid from fees collected under RSA 466:4 and RSA 466:6.
Source. 1985, 72:1. 1992, 250:8. 1993, 275:2. 1995, 310:181, eff. Nov. 1, 1995. 1996, 256:1, eff. June 10, 1996.
- I. Any cat displaying symptoms which indicate a likelihood that such cat
is afflicted with rabies which has bitten a person and caused a puncture of
the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure shall be immediately euthanized
and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department
of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for
any expense for euthanizing the cat and for preparing the head for shipment
to the public health laboratory. If the owner of the cat is not known, the rabies
control authority shall be responsible for the expense, and such expense shall
be paid from fees collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6.
II. Any apparently healthy cat not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is
unknown which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or which
has caused a nonbite exposure of the person shall be seized and, if the owner
consents, impounded under the supervision of the local authorities for a period
of not less than 10 days. If, upon examination by a licensed veterinarian, the
cat has no signs of rabies at the end of the impoundment, it may be released
to the owner. Any illness in the cat during confinement or before release shall
be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop,
the cat shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public
health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the
responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and for the
impoundment of the cat. If the owner of the cat is not known or if the owner
does not consent to impoundment, the cat shall be euthanized upon seizure and
the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of
health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any
expense for euthanizing the cat and for preparing the head for shipment to the
public health laboratory. If the owner of the cat is not known, the rabies control
authority shall be responsible for the expense and such expense shall be paid
from fees collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6.
III. Any healthy cat vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100, which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure, shall be confined by the owner or other responsible person as required by the local authorities for a period of 10 days, at which time the cat shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian. If no signs of rabies are observed by the veterinarian, the cat may be released from confinement. Any illness in the cat during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the cat shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and the impoundment of the cat, for euthanizing the cat and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the owner of the cat does not consent to the confinement or if the owner of the cat is not known, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense and such expense shall be paid from fees collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6.
Source. 1993, 275:3. 1995, 310:181, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.
- I. Any ferret displaying symptoms which indicate a likelihood that such ferret is afflicted with rabies which has bitten a person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure shall be immediately euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for euthanizing the ferret and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the owner of the ferret is not known, the state shall be responsible for the expense. II. Any apparently healthy ferret not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure of the person shall be seized and, if the owner consents, impounded under the supervision of the local authorities for a period of not less than 10 days. If, upon examination by a licensed veterinarian, the ferret has no signs of rabies at the end of the impoundment, it may be released to the owner. Any illness in the ferret during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the ferret shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and for the impoundment of the ferret. If the owner of the ferret is not known or if the owner does not consent to impoundment, the ferret shall be euthanized upon seizure and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for euthanizing the ferret and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the owner of the ferret is not known, the state shall be responsible for the expense. III. Any healthy ferret vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100, which has bitten any person and caused a puncture of the skin or which has caused a nonbite exposure, shall be confined by the owner or other responsible person as required by the local authorities for a period of 10 days, at which time the ferret shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian. If no signs of rabies are observed by the veterinarian, the ferret may be released from confinement. Any illness in the ferret during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the ferret shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. It shall be the responsibility of the owner for any expense for the examination and the impoundment of the ferret, for euthanizing the ferret and for preparing the head for shipment to the public health laboratory. If the owner of the ferret does not consent to the confinement or if the owner of the ferret is not known, the state shall be responsible for the expense.
Source. 1995, 202:9, eff. June 12, 1995; 310:181, eff. Nov. 1, 1995. 1998, 368:1, eff. Aug. 25, 1998.
I. Notwithstanding RSA 436:105, III and any other provision of law to the contrary, a police dog which has bitten a person may remain in service subject to the following:
(a) The police dog shall have received its annual immunization for rabies in accordance with this chapter.
(b) The handler of the police dog shall prepare an incident report and submit the report to the appropriate law enforcement agency which shall advise the appropriate local rabies control authority. The incident report shall be confidential. The handler shall be responsible for observing the dog for 10 days after the bite occurred and shall have the dog examined by a veterinarian at the end of the 10-day period. If signs suggestive of rabies develop during the 10-day period, the dog shall be examined by a veterinarian immediately. If the dog dies or is killed during the 10-day period, the head shall be sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services.
II. The police dog shall be limited to law enforcement duties during the 10-day period described in subparagraph I(b).
III. For the purposes of this section "police dog" means a dog employed by or on behalf of a law enforcement agency.
Source. 1996, 256:2, eff. June 10, 1996.
In the case of dogs, cats, and ferrets known to have been bitten by a rabid
animal or to have had a nonbite exposure, the following provisions shall apply:
I. UNVACCINATED DOGS, CATS, AND FERRETS.
(a) In the case of dogs, cats, and ferrets which are not vaccinated in accordance with RSA 436:100 and which have been bitten by a known rabid animal or have had a nonbite exposure, the dogs, cats, and ferrets which were bitten or exposed to rabies shall be immediately euthanized, unless the owner is unwilling as provided in subparagraph (b) of this paragraph. The owner shall be responsible for the expense of destroying and disposing of the dog, cat, or ferret. In the case of a stray dog or cat whose owner is not known, the rabies control authority shall be responsible for the expense, and such expense shall be paid from the fees collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6. In the case of a ferret whose owner is not known, the state shall be responsible for the expense.
(b) If the owner is unwilling to destroy the dog, cat, or ferret, strict isolation of the dog, cat, or ferret, in a kennel under veterinary supervision and in cooperation with the local authorities, for a minimum of 6 months shall be enforced. The dog, cat, or ferret shall be vaccinated against rabies 30 days prior to completion of the 6-month impoundment. Any illness in the dog, cat or ferret during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the animal shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. The expense of vaccination shall be paid in advance by the owner, and the expense of impoundment shall be paid monthly in advance by the owner. In case of default in payment, the local authority may euthanize the dog, cat, or ferret after a 10-day grace period and the head shall be sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. The expense of euthanizing the dog, cat or ferret, for disposal of the remains, and for preparing and shipping the head, shall be the responsibility of the owner.
II. VACCINATED DOGS, CATS, AND FERRETS. If the dog, cat, or ferret is vaccinated in accordance with the provisions of RSA 436:100, the dog, cat, or ferret shall be handled as follows:
(a) The dog, cat, or ferret shall be immediately revaccinated and confined for a period of 90 days following revaccination. Any illness in the dog, cat, or ferret during confinement or before release shall be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the animal shall be euthanized and the head sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. The owner of the dog, cat, or ferret shall be responsible for any expense incurred. The type of confinement shall be at the discretion of the local authority. At the completion of confinement, the dog, cat, or ferret shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian and released if found by said veterinarian to be free of any signs of rabies.
(b) If the dog, cat, or ferret is not immediately revaccinated, the dog, cat or ferret shall be confined in strict isolation in a kennel for 6 months under the supervision of the local authority in cooperation with a licensed veterinarian. The dog, cat, or ferret shall be vaccinated against rabies 30 days prior to completion of the 6-month impoundment. The owner of the dog, cat, or ferret is responsible for all expenses incurred and shall pay each month in advance. If there is default in payment, the local authority may euthanize the dog, cat, or ferret after a 10-day grace period, and the head shall be sent for examination to the public health laboratory, department of health and human services. The expense of destroying the dog, cat or ferret, for disposal of the remains, and for preparing and shipping the head shall be the responsibility of the owner.
(c) The dog, cat, or ferret shall be euthanized if the owner does not comply with the provisions of subparagraph (a) or (b) of this paragraph.
III. (a) In the case of dogs, cats, and ferrets whose vaccination status is unknown and whose owner cannot be located, the provisions of RSA 436:106, I(a) shall apply.
(b) The expense for dogs and cats shall be an expense of the rabies control authority, and such expense shall be paid from fees collected under RSA 466:4 and 466:6. The expense for ferrets shall be the responsibility of the state.
Source. 1985, 72:1. 1990, 17:3. 1992, 250:9. 1993, 275:4. 1995, 202:10, eff. June 12, 1995; 310:181, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.
The rabies control authority shall authorize a pound or pounds, or shall enter into a cooperative agreement with a licensed veterinarian, or licensed animal shelter, for the establishment and operation of a pound. Any dog found off the owner's premises and not wearing a valid vaccination tag shall be impounded. All impounded dogs shall be given proper care and maintenance. Each impounded dog shall be kept and maintained at the pound for a minimum of 7 days unless reclaimed earlier by the owner. Notice of impoundment of all dogs, including any significant marks of identification, shall be posted at the pound as public notification of impoundment. Any unvaccinated dog may be reclaimed by its owner during the period of impoundment by payment of prescribed pound fees and complying with the rabies vaccination requirement of this subdivision within 72 hours of release. Any vaccinated dog impounded because of lack of a rabies vaccination tag may be reclaimed by its owner by furnishing proof of rabies vaccination and payment of all necessary and reasonable impoundment fees prior to release. If the dog is unclaimed at the end of 7 days, the rabies control authority may dispose of the dog in accordance with applicable laws or rules. If the dog is a stray, the town shall be responsible for the expense incurred. This section shall not apply to cats or ferrets.
Source. 1985, 72:1. 1990, 17:4. 1992, 250:10. 1995, 202:11, eff. June 12, 1995.
The commissioner shall enforce the provisions of this subdivision for the control of rabies in dogs, cats, or ferrets, and shall adopt such rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, as necessary to carry out the intent of this subdivision.
Source. 1985, 72:1. 1992, 250:11. 1995, 202:12, eff. June 12, 1995.
Any person who violates the provisions of this subdivision or rule adopted under it shall be guilty of a violation.
Source. 1985, 72:1. 1992, 250:12, eff. Jan. 1, 1993.
