NHFB has distributed the following op-ed to media outlets throughout the state:
HB 1766 Promotes Both Animal Welfare and Fair, Informed Decision-Making
by Joyce Brady & Robert Johnson, II
In May 2024, Donna Lee Woods watched in horror and disbelief as 54 of her 84 dairy goats were forcibly removed from her farm in Lee.
Woods operates a state-inspected and licensed goat dairy. She welcomed school groups and other visitors to her farm and has long worked with agricultural professionals, including specialists from the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. Yet when her goats were seized, under the guise of “protective custody,” the agricultural professionals most familiar with her operation—including her veterinarian—were never consulted.
More than two years later now, Woods has not been charged with wrongdoing nor have her goats been returned.
Her experience raises a crucial question: When livestock cruelty is being investigated, are decisions being guided by professionals with the appropriate livestock expertise?
This question lies at the heart of HB 1766.
The debate surrounding HB 1766 is not about whether animal cruelty should be investigated and prosecuted. It should be. The question is whether livestock investigations should be guided by professionals with the expertise necessary to evaluate livestock and their management. HB 1766 preserves existing animal cruelty protections while improving the quality and impartiality of decisions made during livestock investigations.
Not all veterinarians practice livestock medicine; like physicians, veterinarians specialize in different areas. The biology, nutrition, housing, health, and management of livestock differ significantly from those of household pets. When livestock are at risk of being seized, the individuals advising that decision should have substantial experience evaluating livestock and understanding accepted agricultural practices. This expertise helps ensure that genuine neglect or cruelty is identified while diverse livestock management practices are not mistakenly interpreted as animal welfare violations.
Under HB 1766, probable cause for livestock seizures must be established by the State Veterinarian, the state’s chief livestock expert, or a designated expert chosen by that office. This helps ensure that law enforcement receives guidance from individuals with appropriate livestock knowledge and expertise.
It is important to understand this bill applies solely to livestock and makes no changes to the laws governing companion animals such as dogs and cats. It also does not exclude animal shelters or humane organizations from participating in livestock cases. These organizations provide valuable services and often play an important role in caring for animals in need. The bill simply ensures that seizure decisions are informed by livestock expertise and made independently from those who may later receive custody of the animals involved.
The Legislature’s support for this approach has been overwhelming. Following extensive review and multiple work sessions, the House Environment and Agriculture Committee recommended HB 1766 on a 12-1 vote. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee later voted unanimously, 5-0, to recommend passage. It passed both the House and Senate on a voice vote.
HB 1766 is a practical effort to ensure that livestock cruelty investigations are guided by appropriate expertise, impartial procedures, and due process. Those who engage in animal cruelty should be held accountable. At the same time, responsible livestock owners deserve investigations following alleged cruelty complaints that are informed, fair, and grounded in sound knowledge of the biology, husbandry, and management of the species in question.
Donna Lee Woods’ experience exposed serious gaps in current law. New Hampshire should strive for a system that relies on qualified livestock expertise when making decisions that affect animals, livelihoods, and reputations. HB 1766 provides a balanced approach that promotes both animal welfare and fair, informed decision-making.
(Joyce Brady is the President & Robert Johnson, II is the Policy Director/Administrator of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation.)
We urge Farm Bureau members and all livestock owners to contact Governor Ayotte asking her to sign HB 1766 into law! You can send the governor an email at GovernorAyotte@governor.nh.gov, go to the Governor’s website at www.governor.nh.gov and click on “Contact The Governor” and then “Share My Opinion,” or leave a brief phone message at (603) 271-2121. Be sure to identify yourself and the town you live, provide contact information, and that you are contacting about HB 1766.
Here is a time stamp (2:25:45) link to Donna Lee Woods testimony before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/02/2026)