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SB 535 · 2026 · Senate · Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Defining residential animal breeders

AI-generated

(New Title) defining residential breeder and imported animal for the purposes of animal transfers and removing references to commercial kennels.

Defines 'residential breeder' and 'imported animal' for purposes of animal transfers and removes outdated references to commercial kennels.AI-generated

Status

Vetoed by the governor — the override vote has not been held yet · July 9, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓Senate
  3. ✓House
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Governor's veto message

“Senate Bill 535 weakens existing law by creating a new category of residential breeder and exempts these breeders from any meaningful oversight and regulation. By exempting residential breeders (who transfer up to 50 animals in a calendar year) from the successful pet vendor program, the State risks an increase in animal abuse, neglect and disease. New Hampshire has a strong history of protecting animal rights and continues to work toward ending the abuse of puppies, kittens and other animals. This bill is a step in the wrong direction. For these reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 535.”
— Gov. Kelly Ayotte · Jul 2, 2026 · excerpt
Governor's press release

A passage from the Governor's veto message, quoted verbatim. The full message enters the record on veto day.

Analysis

This bill defines residential breeder and imported animal for the purposes of animal transfers.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as passed by both chambers.

““Residential breeder” means an individual who owns and breeds dogs or cats within their primary residence and not in a separate breeding facility.”
RSA 437:1, VI

This is the new definition of residential breeder that the bill is built around.AI-generated

“A residential breeder’s operations shall be integrated into their home environment and shall transfer no more than 50 dogs or cats with or without a fee or donation, between January 1 and December 31 of any calendar year.”
RSA 437:1, VI

It caps a residential breeder at 50 animal transfers per year, whether or not money changes hands.AI-generated

“Residential breeders shall be exempt from compliance with rules adopted by the department relative to premises requirements to house, harbor, or display animals in New Hampshire.”
RSA 437:1, VI

Residential breeders are exempted from departmental premises requirements that apply to other operations.AI-generated

““Imported animal" means any dog, cat, ferret, or other live animal or bird customarily used as household pets that is brought into this state, as well as the offspring of any animal imported into the state while pregnant.”
RSA 437:1, VII

The bill defines imported animal, including offspring of animals brought in while pregnant.AI-generated

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. Howard PearlRPrimeVice Chair· Energy and Natural Resources
  • Sen. Kevin AvardRChair· Energy and Natural Resources
  • Sen. Timothy LangRMajority Whip
  • Sen. Daniel InnisRChair, Majority Policy Conference
  • Sen. Cindy RosenwaldDDeputy Democratic Leader
  • Sen. Daryl AbbasRPresident Pro Tempore
  • Sen. David RochefortRChair· Health and Human Services
  • Rep. Judy AronRChair· Environment and Agriculture
  • Rep. Peter BixbyDRanking Member· Environment and Agriculture
  • Rep. Michael MoffettRChair· State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Also: Sen. David WattersD, Rep. Cyril AuresR, Rep. Clayton WoodR

Public testimony

26 signed in online · 4 wrote testimony

100% support0% oppose0% neutral

ForAllows animals to be raised in a home, not a kennel facility

AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.

Read the arguments

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“A very needed bill DOES NOT remove pet vendor license requirements for breeders transferring 30-49 animals, contrary to the propaganda shelters and rescues are promoting Simply allows those animals to be raised in a home vs facility that fits agr 1700 criteria”
— Diane Richardson, Georges millssupports
“We run a non-profit that focuses on service and facility dogs, becoming a commercial kennel forcing the dogs to live in sterile conditions with no house access is cruel.…”
— Melissa Saari, NEW IPSWICHsupports
“As a small ethical, responsible breeder of up to 1 litter a year I support this bill.”
— Kristen Neufelder, Randolphsupports

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings and debates

  • Feb 17, 2026Public hearingSenate Energy and Natural Resources1:32:37–2:49:441h 17m 7s
  • Apr 14, 2026Public hearingHouse Environment and Agriculture33:40–1:17:5944m 19s
  • Apr 14, 2026Full committee work sessionHouse Environment and Agriculture3:46:12–3:53:167m 4s
  • Apr 28, 2026Full committee work sessionHouse Environment and Agriculture36:35–45:138m 38s
  • May 14, 2026Floor debateSenate floor6:44:06–6:44:3529s

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 1
  2. Feb 17, 2026SenHearing: 02/17/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:40 am; SC 5
  3. Mar 26, 2026SenCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1124s, 03/26/2026; Vote 4-1; CC; SC 11
  4. Mar 26, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-1124s, AA, VV; 03/26/2026; SJ 7
  5. Mar 26, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-1124s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/26/2026; SJ 7
  6. Mar 26, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/26/2026 and referred to Environment and Agriculture HJ 9 P. 54
  7. Apr 14, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 04/14/2026 11:00 am GP 153
  8. Apr 14, 2026HouseFull Committee Work Session: 04/14/2026 01:30 pm GP 153
  9. Apr 28, 2026HouseFull Committee Work Session: 04/28/2026 10:00 am GP 153
  10. Apr 28, 2026House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1740h 04/28/2026 (Vote 13-0; CC) HC 18 P. 6
  11. May 7, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1740h: AA VV 05/07/2026 HJ 12 P. 7
  12. May 7, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1740h: MA VV 05/07/2026 HJ 12 P. 7
  13. May 14, 2026SenSen. Avard Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
  14. Jun 4, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
  15. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
  16. Jul 2, 2026SenVetoed by Governor 07/02/2026

Coverage

Background reading

Evergreen reading on the policy area — spanning perspectives — not coverage of this specific bill.

  • Detailed Discussion of Commercial Breeders and Puppy MillsExplainer

    Animal Legal & Historical Center, Michigan State University College of Law — A legal-reference overview of how federal and state law define and regulate commercial dog breeders and so-called puppy mills.AI-generated

  • What Are Cost of Care Laws and How Do They Work?Animal welfare

    ASPCA — Describes the seizure-and-custody process for abused animals and the cost-of-care rules that determine who pays while a cruelty case proceeds.AI-generated

  • Why Pet Shop Laws Affect YouBreeder

    American Kennel Club — Lays out breeder and hobbyist objections to broad commercial-breeder definitions and pet-vendor licensing requirements.AI-generated

  • Animal welfare organization opposes NH House-passed billNH context

    New Hampshire Public Radio — Reports a New Hampshire dispute over legislation on animal seizure and custody, quoting the state SPCA and the bill's sponsor.AI-generated

  • Animal RightsNH context — nonpartisan

    Citizens Count — A nonpartisan New Hampshire issue brief summarizing state debates over animal cruelty, seizure costs, and breeder regulation.AI-generated

  • Humane Organizations Oppose Bill To Change Laws Related To Livestock CrueltyNH context

    InDepthNH.org — Covers New Hampshire testimony on proposed changes to livestock cruelty and confiscation law, including concerns from humane organizations.AI-generated

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.