Paws Up!
To Governor John Lynch (N.H.) for signing H.B. 1430, to restore protections for racing dogs and horses under the New Hampshire anti-cruelty statute. 

Now, people found guilty of abusing these animals at commercial racetracks can be prosecuted for animal cruelty. Before this bill passed, the animal welfare law contained a loophole through which racing animals fell.  The New Hampshire animal welfare community’s interpretation of the law showed an exemption of racing animals because they were regulated by the Pari-Mutuel Commission, which has its own rules regarding the treatment of racing animals.  

H.B. 1430 closes the loophole, and specifically states that if abuse is discovered, an animal control officer may “enter the grounds of the facility…[and] take such horses or dogs into temporary protective custody,” just as they would if an abused companion animal were discovered. The new language in the New Hampshire animal welfare law demonstrates a growing public concern regarding the treatment of all animals, especially those used for entertainment purposes.  

Governor Lynch has proven himself to be a humane-minded individual, and we thank him! If you would also like to thank him, please e-mail governorlynch@nh.gov.