Government Overreach Threatens Animal Welfare & NH Town Services

I am writing about the unusually high number of animal welfare bills currently under consideration this session.There are 28 animal welfare bills moving through the legislature, which is out of proportion with the size of our state and its animal welfare sector. For context, states like New York, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Florida each advanced six or fewer animal welfare bills in 2025.This volume of legislation places heavy administrative, financial, and compliance burdens on animal welfare providers without accompanying funding or infrastructure. The cumulative effect of constant regulatory change can divert resources away from animal care, municipal support services, and public safety.Animal welfare organizations currently help towns and police departments manage cruelty cases, quarantine compliance, long-term care, and related responsibilities. If this trend continues, it could increase local costs and liabilities and shift more responsibility to municipalities and taxpayers.I urge you to slow the pace of additional legislation, engage with front-line providers, and ensure any new laws strengthen rather than destabilize the systems New Hampshire relies on to protect animals, support communities, and uphold public safety.