June 17, 2025 — HB 616 was brought before the Committee of Conference today for deliberation and is officially dead for the year. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to call or write their Senator—your voices made a tremendous difference for animals across New Hampshire. We are also very grateful to the Senators who recognized the harmful implications of this bill and stood in support of animal welfare. Your advocacy and leadership helped ensure that the animals of our state remain protected. Thank you for standing with us.
June 11, 2025 — The Senate has voted to non-concur with this measure. HB 616 will now move to the Committee of Conference. The Senators on that committee will work to either come to an agreement or kill the bill. We do not know the next steps, but will continue to keep you updated as we do.
We need your voice now! HB 616 would cripple animal cruelty investigations in New Hampshire.
The animals urgently need your help once more. Although HB 616 was tabled in the Senate, it is now being revived in a very concerning way—as a non-germane amendment to SB 302. The Senate will vote on this measure this Thursday, June 12, and your voice in opposition is urgently needed.
HB616 is an extremely harmful bill that would severely hinder the ability of law enforcement and animal welfare professionals to investigate and respond to animal cruelty. If passed, it would obstruct enforcement, undermine care, and place both animals and communities at serious risk.
We are calling on you to contact your state senator today and urge them to NON-CONCUR with this amendment. Here’s what you can say:
EMAIL: Subject: NON CONCUR SB 302 to keep animals safe
Dear Senator (click here to find your senator),
I have been closely following HB 616, and now it has come to my attention after being tabled in the Senate it is being added to SB 302 as a non-germane amendment.
At this time, I respectfully request that you NON CONCUR on SB 302 due to the extremely hurtful language that is now included. Concerns regarding animal cruelty investigations may be brought up in the study commission established in HB 153 which already has passed the House and the Senate.
I firmly believe the language from HB 616, now attached to SB 302, puts animals in New Hampshire at risk and creates obstacles and confusion for law enforcement who are investigating these crimes. Its passage will result in an increase in harm and unnecessary suffering for animals across our state.
Thank you for your consideration.
Your Name
Town, NH
PHONE: As a voting constituent, I am asking you to NON CONCUR on SB 302. This is a dangerous, unworkable bill that would cripple animal cruelty investigations in New Hampshire. It blocks enforcement, defunds care, and puts animals and communities at risk.
HB 616 threatens public safety, ties the hands of those working to protect vulnerable animals, and sets a dangerous precedent for how we respond to cruelty and neglect in the state of New Hampshire.
Please use your voice today to help protect animals and preserve law enforcement’s ability to do its job effectively. Time is running out, and your senator needs to hear from you before Thursday’s vote.
Thank you for standing with us—and with New Hampshire’s animals.
On behalf of the animals,
Lisa Dennison,
President & CEO
New Hampshire SPCA
