RSA 206:19-b Cruelty to Wild Animals, Fish, or Wild Birds; Enhanced Penalty.
Title: XVIII - FISH AND GAME
Chapter: 206 - FISH AND GAME COMMISSION
I. (a) Any person who purposely beats, cruelly whips, tortures or mutilates any wild animal, fish or wild bird as defined in RSA 207:1, or purposely causes any wild animal, fish, or wild bird to be beaten, cruelly whipped, tortured or mutilated shall be guilty of a class B felony.
(b) Any person who negligently beats, cruelly whips, tortures or mutilates any wild animal, fish or wild bird as defined in RSA 207:1, or negligently causes any wild animal, fish or wild bird to be beaten, cruelly whipped, tortured or mutilated shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
II. It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution and an actor shall be exempt from enhanced penalties under this section for any manner of taking, open season time limits, permitted scientific investigations or wild