As used in this subdivision, unless the context otherwise requires:
I. "Animal" means a domestic animal, a household pet, or a wild animal in captivity.
II. "Owner" means the person having the right of possession of an animal, whether such right was acquired by gift, purchase, or other means.
III. "Animal care center" means any veterinary establishment, humane society, boarding kennel, or other center providing care and treatment for animals.
IV. "Abandoned animal" means:
(a) Any animal whose owner neglects or refuses to reclaim it within 7 days after the mailing of the notification provided for in RSA 437:19.
(b) Any animal left in an animal care center by a person unknown or by an owner who, when leaving the animal, gives a false name or false address.
(c) Any ferret in the custody of the animal care center for at least 7 days.
(d) Any cat in the custody of the animal care center for at least 7 days which has a form of positive identification including, but not limited to a tattoo, collar, microchip, eartag, or any other form of identification approved by the commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food pursuant to rules adopted under RSA 466:13-a.
V. "Operator" means the director, manager, veterinarian, or other person charged with the supervision of an animal care center.
Source. 1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 1998, 368:2, eff. Aug. 25, 1998.
The operator of an animal care center having custody of an animal, the owner of which has refused or neglected to reclaim the animal for a period of 7 days, or has refused or neglected to pay the just fees and charges due for boarding, grooming, surgical, medical or other care of the animal for a period of 7 days, shall notify the owner by certified mail of the intention of the operator to treat the animal as an abandoned animal within the meaning of this subdivision if the owner does not reclaim the animal or pay the charges and fees within 7 days after the mailing of the notification. Any cat not licensed in accordance with RSA 466:13-a and which is reclaimed from an animal care center shall be released to the owner only upon proof of a current, valid rabies vaccination or upon being vaccinated against rabies in accordance with RSA 436.
Source. 1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 1998, 368:5, eff. Aug. 25, 1998.
Ownership of an animal shall vest in the operator of the animal care center having custody thereof upon determination that the animal has been abandoned under the provisions of this subdivision, and the operator may dispose of such abandoned animal in any lawful manner as if he were its rightful owner.
Source. 1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
It shall be the duty of the operator of an animal care center, when taking custody of an animal, to advise its owner of the provisions of this subdivision.
Source. 1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
