reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:6 - Access to Premises.

427:6 Access to Premises. –
For the purposes of any examination and inspection:
I. Certified meat inspectors shall have access, by day or night, whether the establishment is operating or not, to every part of establishments subject to the provisions of this subdivision, provided that they have the written authorization of the commissioner for such access.
II. Said inspectors shall mark, stamp, tag, or label as "New Hampshire Inspected and Passed" all such products found to be not adulterated.
III. Said inspectors shall label, mark, stamp, or tag as "New Hampshire Inspected and Condemned" all such products found adulterated, and all such condemned meat food products shall be destroyed for food purposes.
IV. Said inspectors shall label, mark, stamp, or tag as "New Hampshire Inspected; Results Pending," all such food products that have been inspected but for which final test results have not been received.
V. The commissioner may remove inspectors from any establishment which fails to so destroy such condemned meat food products.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:1, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:8 - Sanitation Requirements.

427:8 Sanitation Requirements. –
I. Certified meat inspectors shall inspect all slaughtering establishments in which livestock are slaughtered and the meat and meat food products thereof are prepared solely for commerce as may be necessary to inform the inspector concerning the sanitary conditions of them.
II. Where the sanitary conditions of any such establishment are such that the meat or meat food products are rendered adulterated, said meat or meat food products shall be labeled, marked, stamped, or tagged as "New Hampshire Inspected and Condemned."
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:1, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:9 - Times of Examination and Inspection.

427:9 Times of Examination and Inspection. –
A certified meat inspector shall be present in all establishments at any time during which livestock are slaughtered for the purposes of commerce, except exempted slaughter of certain poultry under RSA 427:2-a.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:1, eff. Aug. 5, 2011. 2017, 145:15, eff. Aug. 15, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:10 - Commercial Control.

427:10 Commercial Control. –
No person, firm, or corporation shall, with respect to livestock, or any carcasses, parts of carcasses, meat or meat food products of any such animals:
I. Slaughter any such animals or prepare any such articles which are capable of use as human food at any establishments preparing such articles solely for commerce except in compliance with the requirements of this subdivision.
II. Sell, transport, offer for sale or transportation, or receive for transportation, in commerce:
(a) Any such articles which:
(1) Are capable of use as human food, and
(2) Are adulterated or misbranded at the time of such sale, transportation, offer for sale or transportation, or receipt for transportation; or
(b) Any articles required to be inspected under this subdivision, unless they have been so inspected and passed, by a certified state meat inspector or a federal meat inspector.
III. Do, with respect to any such articles which are capable of use as human food, any act while they are being transported in commerce or held for sale after such transportation, which is intended to cause or has the effect of causing such articles to be adulterated or misbranded.
IV. In addition, no person, firm, or corporation shall with respect to poultry, meat, or meat products of any such animals:
(a) Sell, transport, offer for sale or transportation, or receive for transportation, in intrastate commerce, or from an establishment, any slaughtered poultry from which the blood, feathers, feet, head, or viscera have not been removed in accordance with rules adopted by the state veterinarian, except as may be authorized by rules of the commissioner.
(b) Use to his or her own advantage, or reveal to other than authorized representatives of the state or any other government, in their official capacity, or as ordered by a court in any judicial proceeding, any information acquired under the authority of this subdivision concerning any matter which is entitled to protection as a trade secret.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:1, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:11 - Misuse of Official Identification Marks.

427:11 Misuse of Official Identification Marks. –
I. No brand manufacturer, printer, or other person, firm, or corporation shall cast, print, lithograph, or otherwise make any device containing any official mark or simulation thereof, or any label bearing any such mark or simulation, or any form of official certificate or simulation thereof, except as authorized by the commissioner.
II. No person, firm, or corporation shall:
(a) Forge any official device, mark, or certificate.
(b) Without authorization from the commissioner, use any official device, mark, or certificate, or simulation thereof, or alter, detach, deface, or destroy any official device, mark, or certificate.
(c) Contrary to the rules adopted by the commissioner, fail to use, or to detach, deface, or destroy any official device, mark, or certificate.
(d) Knowingly possess, without promptly notifying the commissioner or his or her representative, any official device or any counterfeit, simulated, forged, or improperly altered official certificate or any device or label or any carcass of any animal, or part or product thereof, bearing any counterfeit, simulated, forged, or improperly altered official mark.
(e) Knowingly make any false statement in any shipper's certificate or other nonofficial or official certificate provided for in the rules adopted by the commissioner.
(f) Knowingly represent that any article has been inspected and passed or exempted under this subdivision when, in fact, it has not been so inspected and passed or exempted.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:1, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:12 - Repealed by 2011, 130:11, I, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.

427:12 Repealed by 2011, 130:11, I, eff. Aug. 5, 2011. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:13 - Separate Slaughtering.

427:13 Separate Slaughtering. –
When required by the commissioner with respect to establishments at which inspection is maintained under this subdivision, animals and their carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat food products shall be prepared in establishments separate from those in which cattle, sheep, swine, or goats are slaughtered or their carcasses, parts thereof, meat or meat food products are prepared.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:14 - Inspectors; Certification and Duties.

427:14 Inspectors;  Certification and Duties. –
I. No person shall practice as a meat inspector in this state, except as permitted in RSA 427:2-a, without certification issued under this subdivision. The commissioner shall certify any person who receives a passing score on a meat inspector examination approved by the commissioner and pays all required fees. The commissioner may require supervision for a probationary period for new certificate holders pursuant to rules adopted under RSA 541-A.
II. Fees, fines, and administrative charges established for the certification program and the auditing program shall be deposited in the general fund.
III. Said inspectors shall refuse to stamp, mark, tag, or label any carcass or any part thereof, or meat product therefrom, prepared in any such establishment until the same shall have actually been inspected and found to be not adulterated.
IV. The inspectors shall perform such other duties as are provided by this subdivision and by rules adopted by the commissioner.
V. All inspections and examinations made under this subdivision shall be made as described in the rules adopted by the commissioner.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:2, eff. Aug. 5, 2011. 2017, 145:16, eff. Aug. 15, 2017. 2021, 19:8, eff. July 5, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:14-a - Periodic Review; Establishments, Inspectors.

427:14-a Periodic Review;  Establishments, Inspectors. –
I. The commissioner may direct certified meat inspectors designated by the department to periodically review registered establishments to assure that the provisions of this subdivision are complied with and that the public health, safety, and welfare are protected.
II. Any periodic review shall include an examination of the establishment's sanitation practices; sanitation of the areas where meat products are prepared, stored, and displayed; the adequacy of any refrigeration system used for meat food products; labeling; and meat food products for wholesomeness and adulteration. In addition, the inspector conducting the periodic review may conduct any other examination necessary to assure compliance with this chapter.
III. The inspector may issue a stop sale or use order for any violation of this chapter, or of the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. Any person receiving a stop sale or use order shall immediately remove the meat, or meat food product from sale, or shall immediately cease to use any equipment or area as directed by the order until the order is lifted. The inspector may lift a stop sale or use order once he or she has determined that the violation has been corrected. Any person receiving a stop sale or use order may appeal the decision to the commissioner within 5 days of receiving the order.
IV. After discovery of a violation of this chapter, or the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter, the commissioner may take any additional action against the establishment or a certified meat inspector which he or she deems appropriate, including instituting a disciplinary proceeding and causing a civil, equitable, or criminal court proceeding to be brought against the establishment or inspector.
Source.
2011, 130:3, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:14-b - Disciplinary Action, Certified Meat Inspectors.

427:14-b Disciplinary Action, Certified Meat Inspectors. –
I. The commissioner may undertake disciplinary proceedings:
(a) Upon his or her own initiative; or
(b) Upon written complaint of any person which charges that an establishment or a person certified by the commissioner has committed misconduct under paragraph II and which specifies the grounds therefor.
II. The commissioner, after notice and the opportunity to be heard, may refuse to issue a certificate or impose sanctions against a certificate holder, when he or she has evidence that the certificate holder or applicant has engaged in professional misconduct. Misconduct sufficient to support adverse action shall include:
(a) The practice of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure or renew a certificate to practice under this subdivision.
(b) Conviction of a felony or any offense involving moral turpitude.
(c) Unprofessional, unethical, or dishonorable conduct unworthy of, and affecting the practice of meat inspection.
(d) Unfitness or incompetency by reason of negligent habits or other causes, or negligent or willful acts performed in a manner inconsistent with the interests of persons relying on the expertise of the licensee.
(e) Addiction to the use of alcohol or other habit-forming drugs to a degree which renders the certificate holder unfit to practice under this subdivision.
(f) Mental or physical incompetency to practice under this subdivision.
(g) Willful or repeated violation of the provisions of this subdivision.
(h) Suspension or revocation of a license or certification, similar to one issued under this subdivision, in another jurisdiction and which has not been reinstated.
(i) Providing false testimony before the commissioner.
(j) Knowingly making or signing any false statement, certificate, or affidavit in connection with the practice of meat inspection.
III. The commissioner may take disciplinary action in any one or more of the following ways:
(a) By reprimand.
(b) By suspension, limitation, or restriction of a certificate to practice meat inspection for a period of up to 5 years.
(c) By revocation of a certification.
(d) By requiring the person to participate in a program of continuing education in the area or areas in which he or she has been found deficient.
(e) By requiring the certificate holder to practice under supervision for a period of time specified by the commissioner under rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
(f) By assessing administrative fines in amounts established by the commissioner which shall not exceed $2,000 per offense or, in the case of continuing offenses, $250 for each day the violation continues.
Source.
2011, 130:3, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:15 - Bribery; Penalties.

427:15 Bribery;  Penalties. –
I. Any person, firm, or corporation, or any agent or employee of any person, firm, or corporation, who shall give, pay, or offer, directly or indirectly, to any inspector, deputy inspector, chief inspector, or any other officer or employee of this state authorized to perform any of the duties prescribed by this subdivision, or by the rules of the commissioner, any money or other thing of value, with intent to influence said inspector, deputy inspector, chief inspector, or other officer or employee of this state in the discharge of any duty herein provided for shall be guilty of a felony.
II. Any person convicted of a violation of paragraph I shall be guilty of a class B felony if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person.
III. Any inspector, deputy inspector, chief inspector, or other officer or employee of this state authorized to perform any of the duties prescribed by this subdivision who shall accept any money, gift, or other thing of value from any person, firm, or corporation, or officers, agents, or employees thereof, given with intent to influence his official action, or who shall receive or accept from any person, firm, or corporation engaged in intrastate commerce any gift, money, or thing of value given with any purpose or intent whatsoever, shall be guilty of a felony.
IV. Said official shall, upon conviction of a violation of paragraph III, be summarily discharged from office and shall be guilty of a class B felony.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:16 - Repealed by 2017, 145:17, VIII, eff. Aug. 15, 2017.

427:16 Repealed by 2017, 145:17, VIII, eff. Aug. 15, 2017. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:17 - Repealed by 2011, 130:11, II, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.

427:17 Repealed by 2011, 130:11, II, eff. Aug. 5, 2011. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:18 - Denatured or Humanly Inedible Meat.

427:18 Denatured or Humanly Inedible Meat. –
I. Inspection shall not be provided under RSA 427:1-16 at any establishment for the slaughter of livestock or the preparation of any carcasses or parts or products of such animals which are not intended for use as human food.
II. Such articles shall, however, prior to their offer for sale or transportation in commerce unless naturally inedible by humans, be denatured or otherwise identified, as prescribed by rules of the commissioner, deter their use for human food.
III. No person, firm, or corporation shall buy, sell, transport, or offer for sale or transportation, or receive for transportation, in commerce any carcasses, parts thereof, meat or meat food products of any such animals which are not intended for use as human food unless they are denatured or otherwise identified as required by the rules of the commissioner or are naturally inedible by humans.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:5, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:19 - Records.

427:19 Records. –
I. The following records shall be made available for review by an authorized designee of the commissioner: the numbers and kinds of livestock slaughtered; quantities and types of products prepared; names and addresses of the owners of the livestock; bills of sale, invoices, bills of lading, receiving and shipping papers which all include the following: description of livestock or article, net weight of livestock or article, name and address of buyer and seller of livestock or article, name and address of consigner or recipient if other than the buyer, method of shipment, date of shipment, name and address of carrier; shipper's certificates required by other statutes and rules; and record of seal numbers of inedible products.
II. The following classes of persons, firms, and corporations shall permit access to the records upon presentation of official credentials during ordinary business hours.
(a) Any persons, firms, or corporations that engage, for commerce in the business of slaughtering and livestock or preparing, freezing, packaging, or labeling any carcasses, or parts or products of carcasses, of any such animals;
(b) Any persons, firms, or corporations, that engage in the business of buying or selling as meat brokers, wholesalers, or otherwise, or transporting, in commerce or storing in or for such commerce, any carcasses, or parts or products of carcasses, of any such animals;
(c) Any persons, firms, or corporations that engage in business, in or for commerce as renderers, or engage in the business of buying, selling, or transporting, in such commerce, any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased livestock, or parts of the carcasses of any such animals that died otherwise than by slaughter.
III. All persons, firms, and corporations subject to such requirements shall at all reasonable times, upon notice by a duly authorized representative of the commissioner, afford such representative and any duly authorized representative of the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States accompanied by such representative of the commissioner access to their places of business and opportunity to examine the facilities, inventory, and records thereof, to copy all such records, and to take reasonable samples of their inventory upon payment of the fair market value for such samples. Records shall be kept at the place of business unless there are multiple facilities owned by a single entity, then records may be kept at headquarters.
IV. Records shall be retained for 2 years after December 31 of the year in which the transaction took place and further periods as commissioner may require for investigation or litigation under this subdivision.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:5, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:20 - Registration.

427:20 Registration. –
I. No person, firm, or corporation shall engage in business, in or for commerce, as an establishment, unless, when required by rules of the commissioner, he or she has registered with the commissioner his or her name, and the address of each place of business at which, and all trade names under which, he or she conducts such business.
II. The commissioner shall issue certificates of registration and registration renewals to all registered establishments that fulfill all registration requirements including payment of the fee. Such certificate shall be displayed in a conspicuous place at the principal place of business of such establishment.
III. All certificates of registration issued by the commissioner shall take effect on July 1 and expire on June 30 of the following year. All registration fees collected shall be deposited in the general fund of the state.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:5, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:21 - Dead or Diseased Animals.

427:21 Dead or Diseased Animals. –
No person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of buying, selling, or transporting in intrastate commerce, dead, dying, disabled, or diseased animals, or any parts of the carcasses of any animals that died otherwise than by slaughter, shall buy, sell, transport, offer for sale or transportation, or receive for transportation in such commerce, any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased animals capable of use as human food, or parts of the carcasses of any such animals that died otherwise than by slaughter, unless such transaction or transportation is made in accordance with such rules as the commissioner may adopt under RSA 541-A to assure that such animals, or the unwholesome parts or products thereof, will be prevented from being used for human food purposes.
Source.
1985, 72:1. eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:5, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:22 - Repealed by 2011, 130:11, III, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.

427:22 Repealed by 2011, 130:11, III, eff. Aug. 5, 2011. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:23 - Revocation or Suspension of Inspection Service.

427:23 Revocation or Suspension of Inspection Service. –
I. The commissioner may for a period of time or indefinitely, as he or she deems necessary to effectuate the purposes of this subdivision, refuse to register, revoke, or suspend a registration of an establishment when he or she determines that such applicant or registrant is unfit to engage in any business requiring inspection under RSA 427:2-16 because the applicant or registrant, or anyone responsibly connected with the applicant or registrant, has been convicted in any federal or state court of:
(a) Any felony, or
(b) More than one violation of any law, other than a felony, based upon the acquiring, handling, or distributing of unwholesome, mislabeled, or deceptively packaged food or upon fraud in connection with transactions in food.
II. For the purpose of this section, a person shall be deemed to be responsibly connected with the business if he or she is a partner, officer, director, holder, or owner of 10 percent or more of its voting stock or employee in a managerial or executive capacity.
III. The determination and order of the commissioner with respect to responsible business connections under this section shall be final and conclusive, unless the affected applicant for or recipient of inspection service files application for judicial review within 30 days after the effective date of such order in the appropriate court as provided in RSA 427:26. Judicial review of any such order shall be upon the record upon which the determination and order are based.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:6, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:24 - Retention of Adulterated or Misbranded Meat.

427:24 Retention of Adulterated or Misbranded Meat. –
Whenever any carcass, part of a carcass, meat or meat food product of livestock or any product exempted from the definition of a meat food product or any dead, dying, disabled, or deceased livestock, are found by any authorized representative of the commissioner upon any premises where it is held for purposes of, or during or after, distribution in intrastate commerce, and there is reason to believe that any such article is adulterated or misbranded and is capable of use as human food, or that it has not been inspected, or that such article or animal has been, or is intended to be, distributed in violation of this subdivision:
I. It may be retained by such representative for a period not to exceed 20 days, pending action under RSA 427:25 or notification of any federal authorities having jurisdiction over such article or animal, and shall not be moved by any person, firm, or corporation from the place at which it is located when so detained, until released by such representative.
II. All official marks may be required by such representative to be removed from such article or animal before it is released unless it appears to the satisfaction of the commissioner that the article or animal is eligible to retain such marks.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:6, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:25 - Condemnation; Seizure.

427:25 Condemnation;  Seizure. –
I. Any carcass, part of a carcass, meat or meat food product of livestock or any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased livestock, that are being transported in intrastate commerce, or are held for sale in this state after such transportation, shall be liable to be proceeded against and seized and condemned, at any time, on a libel of information in any proper court as provided in RSA 427:26 within the jurisdiction in which the article or animal is found, if:
(a) It is or has been prepared, sold, transported, or otherwise distributed or offered or received for distribution in violation of this subdivision;
(b) It is capable of use as human food and is adulterated or misbranded; or
(c) It is, in any other way, in violation of this subdivision.
II. If the article or animal is condemned, it shall, after entry of the decree, be disposed of by destruction or sale as the court may direct. If sold, the proceeds, less the court costs and fees, and storage and other proper expenses, shall be paid into the treasury of this state, but the article or animal shall not be sold contrary to the provisions of this subdivision, or the Federal Meat Inspection Act or the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; provided that:
(a) Upon the execution and delivery of a good and sufficient bond conditioned that the article or animal shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of contrary to the provisions of this subdivision or the laws of the United States the court may direct that such article or animal be delivered to the owner thereof subject to such supervision by authorized representatives of the commissioner as is necessary to insure compliance with the applicable laws.
(b) When a decree of condemnation is entered against the article or animal and it is released under bond, or destroyed, court costs and fees, and storage and other proper expenses shall be awarded against the person, if any, intervening as claimant of the article or animal.
(c) The proceedings in such libel cases shall conform, as nearly as may be, to the proceedings in admiralty, except that either party may demand trial by jury of any issue of fact joined in any case, and all such proceedings shall be at the suit of and in the name of this state.
III. The provisions of this section shall in no way derogate from authority for condemnation or seizure conferred by other provisions of this subdivision or other laws.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:6, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:26 - Jurisdiction of Court.

427:26 Jurisdiction of Court. –
The superior court is vested with jurisdiction specifically to enforce and to prevent and restrain violations of this subdivision, and shall have jurisdiction in all other kinds of cases arising under this subdivision, except as provided in RSA 427:7, V.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:6, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:27 - Interference With Inspection.

427:27 Interference With Inspection. –
I. Any person who forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, intimidates, or interferes with any person while engaged in or on account of the performance of his or her official duties under this subdivision shall be guilty of a class B felony.
II. Whoever, in the commission of any of the acts enumerated in paragraph I, uses a deadly or dangerous weapon, shall be guilty of a class A felony.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:6, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:28 - General Penalty; Warning.

427:28 General Penalty;  Warning. –
I. Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any provision of this subdivision for which no other criminal penalty is provided shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person.
II. If such violation involves intent to defraud, or any distribution or attempted distribution of an article that is adulterated, except as defined in RSA 427:2, VII(h), such person, firm, or corporation shall be guilty of a class B felony if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person.
III. No person, firm, or corporation shall be subject to penalties under this section for receiving for transportation any article or animal in violation of this subdivision if such receipt was made in good faith, unless such person, firm, or corporation refuses to furnish on request of a representative of the commissioner the name and address of the person from whom he or she received such article or animal, and copies of all documents, if there are any, pertaining to the delivery of the article or animal to him or her.
IV. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as requiring the commissioner to report for prosecution, or for the institution of libel or injunction proceedings, minor violations of this subdivision whenever he or she believes that the public interest will be adequately served by a suitable written notice of warning.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:6, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:30 - Refusal to Answer; False Statements.

427:30 Refusal to Answer;  False Statements. –
I. Any person, firm, or corporation that shall neglect or refuse:
(a) To attend and testify or to answer any lawful inquiry, or
(b) To produce documentary evidence, if in his, her, or its power to do so, in obedience to the subpoena or lawful requirement of the commissioner shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person.
II. Any person, firm, or corporation shall be guilty of a class B felony that shall willfully:
(a) Make or cause to be made any false entry or statement of fact in any report required to be made under this subdivision;
(b) Make or cause to be made any false entry in any account, record, or memorandum kept by any person, firm, or corporation subject to this subdivision;
(c) Neglect or fail to make, or to cause to be made, full, true and correct entries in such accounts, records, or memoranda of all facts and transactions appertaining to the business of such person, firm, or corporation;
(d) Remove out of the jurisdiction of this state;
(e) Mutilate, alter, or by any other means falsify any documentary evidence of any such person, firm, or corporation; or
(f) Refuse to submit to the commissioner or to any of his or her authorized agents, for the purpose of inspection and taking copies, any documentary evidence of any such person, firm, or corporation in his or her possession or within his or her control.
III. If any person, firm, or corporation required by this subdivision to file any annual or special report shall fail so to do within the time fixed by the commissioner for filing the same, and such failure shall continue for 30 days after notice of such default, such person, firm, or corporation shall forfeit to this state the sum of $100 for each and every day of the continuance of such failure, which forfeiture shall be payable to the treasury of this state, and shall be recoverable in a civil suit in the name of the state brought in the superior court for the county where the person, firm, or corporation has his, her, or its principal office or in the superior court for the county in which he, she, or it shall do business.
IV. It shall be the duty of the various county attorneys, under the direction of the attorney general of this state, to prosecute for the recovery of such forfeitures. The costs and expenses of such prosecution shall be paid out of the appropriation for the expenses of the courts of this state.
V. Any officer or employee of this state or meat inspector certified under this act who shall make public any information obtained by the commissioner without his or her authority, unless directed by a court, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:6, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:31 - Limited Coverage of Subdivision.

427:31 Limited Coverage of Subdivision. –
The requirements of this subdivision shall apply to persons, firms, corporation establishments, animals, and articles regulated under the Federal Meat Inspection Act only to the extent provided for in section 408 of said federal act.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2011, 130:6, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:32 - Costs of Inspection; Limitation.

427:32 Costs of Inspection;  Limitation. –
In addition to the cost of the inspection required under this subdivision, the establishment shall pay a fee to the department based on the number and species of animals slaughtered. Such fee shall be determined by the commissioner in rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A and shall support the administrative costs of certifying meat inspectors and conducting audits of establishments. All employees of the department who are required to make inspections at any time after working 40 hours per week or after working 8 hours per day shall be paid at the rate of time and a half. Labor performed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall also be compensated at the rate of time and a half. Costs collected by the commissioner for such premium pay work shall be available without fiscal year limitation to carry out the purposes of this section.
Source.
1985, 72:1. 1995, 130:5, eff. July 23, 1995. 2003, 202:1, eff. July 1, 2003. 2011, 130:6, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:32-a - Repealed by 2021, 19:7, II, eff. July 5, 2021.

427:32-a Repealed by 2021, 19:7, II, eff. July 5, 2021. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:32-b - Repealed by 2021, 19:7, III, eff. July 5, 2021.

427:32-b Repealed by 2021, 19:7, III, eff. July 5, 2021. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:32-c - Liability.

427:32-c Liability. –
The department and any person who contracts with the department who is in compliance with this subdivision, shall be held harmless from either civil or criminal liability for any decisions made in connection with this subdivision, unless found guilty of gross negligence.
Source.
2011, 130:7, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:32-d - Fees.

427:32-d Fees. –
I. The commissioner shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A which establish fees for the processing of the following meat producing animals:
(a) No more than $50 per cow processed.
(b) No more than $30 per sheep, goat, pig, deer or elk processed.
(c) No more than $10 per turkey or rabbit.
(d) No more than $5 per chicken or other bird, not including turkeys.
II. The fees established by the commissioner for the processing of meat producing animals as well as the fees, fines, and administrative charges established by the commissioner under RSA 427:14 shall be sufficient to produce estimated revenues equal to 125 percent of the direct operating expenses of the meat inspection program for the previous fiscal year. The requirements of this paragraph shall apply one year after the first establishment is opened and operating within the state meat inspection program as determined by the state veterinarian.
Source.
2011, 130:7, eff. Aug. 5, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:33 - Terms Defined.

427:33 Terms Defined. –
As used in this subdivision the following words and phrases shall be construed as follows:
I. The term "slaughterer" means any person, partnership, corporation or association regularly engaged in the slaughtering of livestock;
II. The term "livestock" shall include but not be limited to cattle, steer, oxen, horses, swine, sheep, goats, as well as domesticated strains of buffalo, bison, llamas, alpacas, emus, ostriches, yaks, elk (Cervus canadensis), fallow deer (Dama dama), red deer (Cervus elephus), reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), poultry, rabbits, and other species of animals susceptible of use in the production of meat and meat products;
III. The term "humane method" means:
(a) Any method of slaughtering livestock which normally causes animals to be rendered insensible to pain by a single blow or shot of a mechanical instrument or by electrical, chemical or other means that is rapid and effective, before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut; and
(b) The method of slaughtering in accordance with the ritual requirements of any religious faith that prescribes a method of slaughter whereby the animal suffers loss of consciousness by anemia of the brain caused by the simultaneous and instantaneous severance of the carotid arteries with a sharp instrument, provided that the method used in bringing the animal into position for slaughter causes no injury or pain which can be avoided without interfering with the requirements of ritualistic slaughter or without imposing unreasonable economic hardship.
IV. The term "holding pen" means enclosures or yards where animals are held or handled before slaughtering.
Source.
1985, 72:1. 1998, 310:1, eff. Aug. 25, 1998. 2014, 97:4, eff. Aug. 10, 2014. 2017, 145:4, eff. Aug. 15, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:34 - Prohibition.

427:34 Prohibition. –
On and after June 30, 1960, no slaughterer may slaughter livestock except by a humane method. No person may handle livestock in connection with slaughter, or drive or transport them to holding pens or to place of slaughter except with a minimum of excitement and discomfort. Holding pens and transportation vehicles must be free from hazards which could cause suffering or pain.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:35 - Prohibition.

427:35 Prohibition. –
No person who has taken possession of a horse, ostensibly for slaughter, shall use or deliver possession of said animal for any other purpose.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:36 - Penalty.

427:36 Penalty. –
Any slaughterer who violates this subdivision shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:37 - Administration and Enforcement.

427:37 Administration and Enforcement. –
The commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food may administer the provisions of this subdivision, adopt such rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, as may be necessary to carry this subdivision into effect, and approve all methods of slaughter used under the terms of this subdivision. He or she may, by administrative order, allow any person a single temporary exemption from compliance with any provision of this subdivision for such period of time as he or she shall determine reasonable, not to exceed one year. The commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food shall cause to be prosecuted any slaughterer who fails to comply with the provisions of this subdivision. Any agent authorized by the commissioner, upon being designated, in writing, for that purpose by the sheriff of any county in this state, may, within such county, at any time inspect the premises and operations of any slaughterer and, if he or she deems it advisable, request an investigation and appropriate action by the commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food.
Source.
1985, 72:1. 1995, 130:5, eff. July 23, 1995. 2010, 302:1, eff. July 13, 2010.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:38 - Definitions.

427:38 Definitions. –
As used in this subdivision:
I. "Commissioner" shall mean the commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food.
II. "Livestock dealer" shall mean any person, partnership, unincorporated association, or corporation engaged in the business of buying, selling or transporting livestock, excluding any common carrier, or operating a livestock auction or sales ring, including any person acting as an agent or buyer for any other person, partnership, unincorporated association or corporation.
III. "Livestock" shall include beef and dairy cattle, steer, oxen, goats, sheep, swine, horses, mules, or other equidae, as well as domesticated strains of buffalo, bison, llamas, alpacas, emus, ostriches, poultry, rabbits, yaks, elk (Cervus canadensis), fallow deer (Dama dama), red deer (Cervus elephus), and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus).
Source.
1985, 72:1. 1995, 130:5. 1998, 310:2, eff. Aug. 25, 1998. 2014, 97:1, eff. Aug. 10, 2014. 2017, 145:5, eff. Aug. 15, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:39 - License.

427:39 License. –
No livestock dealer shall operate such a business without first obtaining a license from the commissioner. Before being issued a license, the livestock dealer shall file with the commissioner an application for such license, giving such information as the commissioner shall require. Said application shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. All licenses shall expire on April 30 of each year. No licenses shall be transferable. A farmer shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter when engaged in noncommercial transportation of livestock.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985. 2017, 145:6, eff. Aug. 15, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:40 - Permits for Trucks.

427:40 Permits for Trucks. –
A permit shall be issued for each truck or other conveyance used by said licensee for the transportation of livestock and so described on the application for a license. The permit shall be carried in each vehicle so described. The fee for each permit shall be as prescribed by the commissioner.
Source.
1985, 72:1, eff. July 1, 1985.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XL - Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry › Chapter 427 - Livestock and Meat Inspection › Section 427:41 - Requirements.

427:41 Requirements. –
A livestock dealer licensed under this subdivision shall:
I. Maintain in a clean and sanitary condition all premises, buildings and conveyances used in the business of dealing in livestock or operating a livestock auction or sales ring.
II. Submit premises, buildings and conveyances to inspection, and livestock to inspection and test, at any such times as the commissioner may deem necessary and advisable.
III. Allow no livestock on the livestock dealer's premises from herds or premises quarantined by the commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food or his agent, except those accompanied by special permit issued by the commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food or his agent.
IV. Maintain, subject to inspection by the commissioner or his agent, a proper record in which all livestock purchased, repossessed, sold or loaned are to be listed, giving breed, date purchased, repossessed, sold or loaned, and from whom obtained and to whom delivered. Such record shall also show the ear tag number of each animal. Registered purebred cattle which do not bear ear tags shall be recorded by giving official tattoo markings, description and such other information as is necessary to identify such cattle;
V. Keep records of all animals destined for market or slaughter indicating identification, farm or origin and destination, and shall submit said records to the commissioner at no more than 30-day intervals; and
VI. Abide by such other reasonable rules as the commissioner may adopt to prevent the spread of disease. The commissioner shall send a copy of such rules to all livestock dealers licensed under the provisions of this subdivision.
VII. A person transporting livestock shall have in his or her possession a bill of sale or other memorandum signed by the vendor, the date of sale or other transaction involving the transfer of possession, the breed, age, approximate weight, and number of animals being transported.
Source.
1985, 72:1. 1995, 130:5, eff. July 23, 1995. 2017, 145:7, eff. Aug. 15, 2017.