New Hampshire Dog Bite Law: HB670 Fine Increases and Your Rights Under RSA 466:19

What Is HB670?

Dog owners in New Hampshire may soon face higher fines and more liability if their pet bites someone. A new law, HB670, increases penalties for nuisance, menacing, and vicious dogs — holding owners accountable like never before.

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New Penalties for Dog Owners in NH

If passed, the law will increase the penalty for a first nuisance offense from $25 to $100, with repeat offenders facing even larger fines. The new penalties apply to various types of offenses, ranging from nuisance to vicious attacks, and they are designed to hold pet owners accountable

while deterring further incidents. Here is a summary of the proposed fine increases:

• Nuisance (RSA 466:31, II(a)–(d)): First offense $100, repeat offense $200 within 12 months

• Menace (RSA 466:31, II(e)–(f)): First offense $200, repeat offense $400 within 12 months

• Vicious (RSA 466:31, II(g)): First offense $400, repeat offense $1,000 — plus the owner must pay all medical bills for the victim

  
  

New Hampshire’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law: RSA 466:19

What makes New Hampshire different from many other states is that dog bite claims are governed by a strict liability statute. Under RSA 466:19, a dog owner is liable for any damage caused by their dog — regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had ever bitten anyone before. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent. If their dog caused your injury, they are liable. Period.

This is a powerful protection for victims, and it’s one reason why the increased fines under HB670 matter. Higher penalties signal that the legislature recognizes the seriousness of dog-related injuries and is shifting more responsibility onto owners.

You Don’t Need to Prove a Bite: Bohan v. Ritzo

Many people assume that a dog bite claim requires an actual bite. That’s not the law in New Hampshire. In Bohan v. Ritzo, 141 N.H. 210 (1996), the NH Supreme Court clarified that liability extends to any injury caused by a dog’s vicious or mischievous conduct — including being knocked down, chased into traffic, or frightened into falling.

The Court held that the statute covers all injuries proximately caused by the dog, not just bites. This means that if a neighbor’s unleashed dog charges at you on a sidewalk and you fall and break your wrist, the owner is strictly liable under RSA 466:19 — even if the dog never made contact.

Comparative Fault in Dog Bite Cases

New Hampshire’s comparative fault statute (RSA 507:7-d) does apply to dog bite cases, but under a “comparative causation” standard rather than traditional comparative negligence. The Court in Bohan held that a comparative causation instruction is proper only if the plaintiff provoked the dog or knowingly put themselves into a dangerous situation.

In practice, this means the insurance company can’t simply argue you were “partly at fault” the way they might in a car accident case. They must show that you actually provoked the animal or deliberately exposed yourself to a known danger. This is a high bar for the defense — and one that an experienced attorney can prepare for.

How HB670’s Higher Fines Help Dog Bite Victims

The increased fines under HB670 don’t directly change your ability to file a civil claim — RSA 466:19 already provides strong, strict liability protections. But they matter for two reasons. First, higher fines create a stronger deterrent effect, potentially reducing the number of dangerous dog incidents across New Hampshire. Second, a documented history of fines and nuisance complaints against a specific dog strengthens a victim’s civil case by establishing a pattern of dangerous behavior that the owner failed to address.

What to Do After a Dog Bite or Dog Attack in NH

If you’ve been injured by a dog in New Hampshire, take these steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately — even if the wound appears minor. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and prompt medical documentation strengthens your claim.

2. Report the incident — contact your local animal control officer or police department. This creates an official record.

3. Document everything — photograph your injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog if possible. Get contact information from the owner and any witnesses.

4. Do not give a recorded statement to the dog owner’s insurance company before consulting with an attorney.

5. Contact a personal injury attorney — under RSA 466:19, you have a strong legal foundation for recovery. An experienced attorney can ensure the insurance company doesn’t minimize your claim.

   
   

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a dog owner always liable for a bite injury in New Hampshire?

Under RSA 466:19, New Hampshire imposes strict liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their dog. This means the owner is responsible regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous. The only defense is if the victim provoked the dog or knowingly put themselves in a dangerous situation. See Bohan v. Ritzo, 141 N.H. 210 (1996).

What if the dog didn’t actually bite me, but I was still injured?

You can still recover compensation. The NH Supreme Court ruled in Bohan v. Ritzo, 141 N.H. 210 (1996), that liability under RSA 466:19 extends to all injuries caused by a dog’s vicious or mischievous conduct — not just bites. Being knocked down, chased, or frightened into falling are all covered.

How do the new HB670 fines affect my dog bite injury claim?

HB670 increases fines for owners of nuisance, menacing, and vicious dogs — up to $1,000 for vicious dog offenses plus all medical bills. While your civil claim under RSA 466:19 is separate from these penalties, a documented history of nuisance or menace complaints strengthens your case by showing the owner was on notice of their dog’s dangerous behavior.

What damages can I recover in a New Hampshire dog bite case?

Under NH law, recoverable damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and scarring or disfigurement. The NH Supreme Court has confirmed that damages must be “full, fair, and adequate.” See Carbone v. Tierney, 151 N.H. 521 (2005). Children are frequently victims of dog attacks and may recover additional compensation for the long-term emotional impact.

Legal Help for Dog Bite Injury Claims in NH

If you’ve been injured by a dog in New Hampshire, the law is on your side. RSA 466:19’s strict liability standard means you don’t need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous — you only need to prove the dog caused your injury. With 22 years of experience handling personal injury cases across southern New Hampshire, Attorney Keith F. Diaz and the Apis Law team can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Apis Law for a free consultation at (603) 785-1013. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.