December 2023

Kelly Crouch, CFA Legislative Information Liaison

New Hampshire

Fanciers sometimes wonder why the CFA Legislative Group monitors bills that often have no direct effect on them, such as animal cruelty bills. The New Hampshire House Bill 1102-FN is a prime example of why we must monitor these bills. Representative Ellen Read (District 10-D) has pre-filed a bill expected to be introduced on January 3, 2024. If enacted, that bill would add a breeding deformities section to the state animal cruelty law (RSA 644:8, III ) as follows:

“(h) Sells an animal that has a birth deformity that causes suffering, such as brachycephaly, or the intentional breeding with the intent to sell, 2 individual animals with the same birth deformity that causes suffering, such as brachycephaly”.

In §644.8, animal means a “domestic animal, a household pet or a wild animal in captivity.” Thus, it would apply to cats and dogs with brachycephaly, causing a shortened skull. This law might include Persians, Exotics, Burmese, and other breeds. A short (and unscientific!) Google search revealed up to ten cat breeds were included in various lists of affected cat breeds. The American Kennel Club identifies 16 brachycephalic dog breeds. However, “birth deformities causing suffering” is not limited to brachycephaly. Other organizations include more breeds. House Bill 1102-FN is in pre-filed status and listed as being referred to the House Committee on Environment and Agriculture.

Texas

The proposed Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation rules implementing the changes enacted in Senate Bill 876 were approved as final on December 1, 2023, by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation. Additional rulemaking is expected to bring the Texas rules up to date with changes in federal regulations as required by the state Dog and Cat Breeder Act.