Title 17, Title 17

1. Possession. A state veterinarian, humane agent, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer, animal control officer, person authorized to make arrests or the commissioner may apply to the District Court or the Superior Court for authorization: A. To take possession of a…

The commissioner, a humane agent, a state veterinarian or any person authorized to make arrests may lawfully interfere to prevent the perpetration of any act of cruelty upon an animal in that person's presence.

1. Investigations; reports. Law enforcement officers, animal control officers and humane agents shall investigate alleged violations of Title 7, chapter 739 and this chapter. The commissioner shall maintain a record of each alleged case of cruelty to animals investigated by a hum…

It is unlawful for a person to assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate or interfere with a person engaged in or on account of the performance of that person's official duties under this subchapter.

1. Handling of animals. No humane agent, animal control officer, animal shelter, pound, animal care center, humane society or veterinarian and anyone acting under their authority and having possession of any animal by reason of his office may: A. Provide or supply dealers, commer…

Any person found in violation of sections 1024 and 1025 is guilty of a Class E crime.

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Authority" means the commissioner or a state veterinarian, humane agent, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer, person authorized to …

1. Cruelty to animals. Except as provided in subsections 1‑D and 1‑E, a person, including an owner or the owner's agent, is guilty of cruelty to animals if that person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly: A. Kills or attempts to kill any animal belonging to another person with…

1. Cruelty to birds. A person is guilty of cruelty to birds if that person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly: A. Keeps or uses any live pigeon, fowl or other bird for a target or to be shot at, either for amusement or as a test of skill in marksmanship. Violation of this par…

1. Animal fighting. A person is guilty of animal fighting if that person knowingly: A. Owns, possesses, keeps or trains any animal with the intent that the animal engage in an exhibition of fighting with another animal; [PL 1987, c. 383, §4 (NEW).] B. For amusement or gain, cause…

A law enforcement officer or humane agent, having probable cause to believe that a violation of section 1031, 1032 or 1033 has taken place or is taking place, shall enter the premises where the animal is kept with the consent of the owner or shall make application for a search wa…

No person owning or responsible for confining or impounding any animal may fail to supply the animal with a sufficient supply of food and water as prescribed in this section. [PL 1987, c. 383, §4 (NEW).] 1. Food. The food shall be of sufficient quantity and quality to maintain al…

A person owning or responsible for confining or impounding any animal may not fail to supply the animal with necessary medical attention when the animal is or has been suffering from illness, injury, disease, excessive parasitism or malformed or overgrown hoof. Failure to provide…

No person owning or responsible for confining or impounding any animal may fail to provide the animal with proper shelter, protection from the weather or humanely clean conditions as prescribed in this section. [PL 1997, c. 456, §17 (AMD).] 1. Indoor standards. Minimum indoor sta…

It is an affirmative defense to alleged violations of sections 1035, 1036 and 1037 that the animal is kept as part of an agricultural operation and in compliance with best management practices for animal husbandry as determined by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and F…

Abandoning an animal at an animal care facility is a Class D crime. [PL 2021, c. 99, §12 (AMD).] 1. Determination of abandonment. There is a rebuttable presumption of abandonment if an owner: A. Places an animal in the custody of an animal care facility for services offered by th…

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Calf raised for veal" means a calf of the bovine species kept for the purpose of producing the food product referred to as veal. [PL 2009, c. 127,…

A cat or dog may not be destroyed by any method, agent or device except as described in this subchapter, subchapter III and Title 7, chapter 739.

The mandatory method of euthanasia of cats and dogs when conducted by a licensed veterinarian or a person certified under subsection 3 must be the administration of a barbiturate overdose. The mandatory method of euthanasia must be implemented according to the following methods a…

The following methods shall be used only in an emergency situation in which the safety of people or other animal life is threatened or in a situation in which the mandatory method of euthanasia of cats and dogs cannot be implemented expeditiously and will cause undue suffering. T…

Prior to the euthanasia of cats and dogs, sedatives may be administered to these animals. Curariform immobilizers shall not be used on cats and dogs prior to euthanasia, except by veterinarians in extreme circumstances.

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may inspect or investigate any facility in which cats or dogs are destroyed.

Any person, firm or corporation found in violation of this subchapter is guilty of a Class E crime.