New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte vetoed a bill on June 22, 2026, that would have prohibited tethering dogs outdoors during extreme weather conditions. The bill, known as HB 1234, aimed to prevent animal cruelty by banning the chaining of dogs outside in temperatures below 32°F or above 90°F, as well as during severe storms.
In her veto message, Ayotte argued that the legislation was overly broad and could interfere with responsible pet ownership and agricultural practices. She stated, 'This bill goes too far in restricting how Granite Staters care for their animals, and existing laws already address cases of neglect.'
Animal welfare advocates criticized the veto, saying it leaves dogs vulnerable to harm. The New Hampshire SPCA reported that in 2025, there were 47 cases of dogs suffering from weather-related neglect, including hypothermia and heatstroke.
The bill had passed the state Senate with bipartisan support, 18-6, and the House by a vote of 210-120. Supporters say they will attempt to override the veto, which requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
