In July, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed two new bi-partisan bills into law to bolster animal protections in the state and increase penalties for animal cruelty, including a compulsory minimum five-year ban on keeping an animal.
House Bill 459 and House Bill 605 not only prohibit abusers in certain cruelty cases from owning animals in future, but also increase penalties for the possession or production of materials involving animal fighting.
In addition, the new laws are designed to help alleviate animal suffering and speed up adoptions by requiring the swift hearing of cases after an animal is seized. As a result of the shortened prosecutorial timeline, taxpayers benefit from a reduction of the costs of care of the animals.
Sununu signed the bills — described as “two victories for animal protection legislation in New Hampshire” — at the Greater Nashua branch of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which supported the bill.
“Governor Sununu has signed into law two crucial policies to address animal cruelty,” said Julia Seeley, New Hampshire state director, HSUS, at the signing. “Championed by Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) and Representative Katherine Rogers (D-Concord), collectively these laws help address the enormous costs to care for animals who are rescued from neglect, prevent someone convicted of felony cruelty from owning or living with an animal for a minimum of five years, and ban the paraphernalia used in animal fighting.
“We are grateful to Governor Sununu, these legislative leaders, animal shelters, law enforcement and countless advocates for their commitment to preventing the suffering of animals in the Granite State,” she continued.
“Together, these two bills build upon the progress made last term in strengthening animal cruelty laws in New Hampshire by reducing costs associated with animal cruelty cases, preventing animal suffering and protecting them from animal cruelty,” added Sununu.

Thank God the law is starting to protect animals! All we need now is for the law to try perpetrators in the same way as if they’ve abused a child since animals are like children relying on a person to care and love them unconditionally! At least some action has been taken.
Well done Governor Sununu. If I lived in New Hamphire you would have my vote for the rest of your political life.
EXCELLENT — GOOD NEWS! – I’m voting for you.
Great news! Every state and country must do the same
Woohoo!!
Thank you for protecting animals.
Good going N.H., I wish the other 49 states would get their act together now.
This is good news, cruelty needs to STOP!
I’m hoping this includes all species of animals.
WOW……………it’s about time. Thank you to everyone who helped get this passed. IT IS A GREAT DAY!
Great….but how much PRISON TIME and FINES do the abusers get?
GOD BLESS YOU. NEW HAMPSHIRE!!
This is awesome! Kudos to this state.
I hope one day that Congress will pass Federal laws like this but more stringent and punitive as well as to establish a national animal abusers registry.
I’m glad that animals are finally get help. However there is so much more that needs to done.
it’s about fucking time someone stepped up to the plate to protect animals.
Well done Govenor Sununu. Enlightened people around the world are applauding you!
Let’s hope others soon follow.
Thank you, Governor Sununu and New Hampshire for caring about animals. Animals are worth protecting. Bless you a thousandfold for your kindness and caring.
I am so glad somebody is stepped up to help this beautiful animals
I am so glad somebody is stepped up to help this beautiful animals
Great news all animals need protection!
Great!!! Makes so much sense doesn’t it? If your an abuser if anioyou cant have them! I hope Chris Sununu keeps making animal protection laws and influences all other states and countries.
Thank you Governor Sununu, you will be remembered for this act of kindness.
THANK YOU GOVERNOR, CHRIS SUNUNU, FOR MAKING THIS ANIMAL LAWS TO BE IN ACTION IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. The world will never be a civilized or a kinder place to live as long as we do not protect the innocent Animals from the cruel subhumans.
” Those who have the privilege to know, have the Duty to act” –Albert Einstein-
“The Greatness of a Nation & it’s Moral progress can be judged by the way it’s ANIMALS are treated” —Mahatma Gandhi—–
All the other States also need to take this as an example to rewrite the Laws to protect the vulnerable sentient beings WHO ARE ALSO THE CITIZENS OF U.S.A.
Justice, compassion, laws, life, Love for animals 🙏 Please 🙏
Great news. A no brainer !
BRAVO
Thank God I hope to see more states have this like new jersey other states as well
Excellent!!! Thankyou.
Well I should think so. Any others not doing this?
About damn time.
Thank God Governor Chris Sununu had the wisdom to pass Bills 459 and 695. Every state should follow his example. Animals desperately need new and tougher laws to protect them from cruelty.
Why limit the ban on ownership or possession of animals to 5 years? 5 years does not change their minds or hearts. The ban should be for their life. They have already exhibited their lack of regard for animal or human life. This will not change in 5 years.
Well done, Chris Sununu, of New Hampshire.
What a fucking joke abuse a animal and all you get is 5 year ban.Nothing was done to pertect our animals NOTHING dont let these fucking idiots fool you THEY DONT CARE they took the easy way out.