Animal Control Officers Association Of New Hampshire

Animal Control Officers Association Of New Hampshire Welcome to the page of ACOANH. We share information about the association, training, resources, and the work of ACOs across NH.

This page is not monitored for emergencies. If you need assistance, please contact your local police department. The purpose of the Association, a non-profit organization, is to:

1. Educate and train Animal Control personnel and any other groups or organizations having related interest.
2.Educate the public on local and state animal control laws and responsible pet ownership.
3. Serve as a resour

ce for information on animal control issues in the State of New Hampshire.
4. Provide expertise and serve on committees, task forces etc. related to animal control issues to municipal,county, and state officials.
5. Develop standards and certification procedures for animal control personnel.
6. Provide liaisons with other organizations and groups having related interests.
7. Improve, promote and publicize animal control, while promoting justice and equality in the promulgation and enforcement of animal control laws. Promote better laws and law enforcement methods relating to animals.
8. Advance the health, ethics, welfare and training of animal control officers while providing communication and education for animal welfare organizations.
9. Identify and make recommendations on problems requiring further research.

08/18/2026
We need everyone’s support!
08/17/2026

We need everyone’s support!

‼️ACT NOW‼️ This Wednesday, New Hampshire legislators could overturn three vetoes that protect animals: HB1766, SB475, and SB535.

If two-thirds of the legislators in attendance vote to override a veto, that bill automatically becomes law. We cannot let that happen. These three bills would weaken protections for animals and make it harder to respond to abuse and neglect.

The animals need you to act right now! Please contact your State Senator and House Representatives immediately. Urge them to:
▪️ Be there on Wednesday, August 19 to defend the animals
▪️ Vote to uphold vetoes of HB1766, SB475, and SB535

To find the contact information for your State Senator and House Representatives, click the following link and enter your address. Once you've searched, click "New Hampshire" underneath the bar: secure.humaneworld.org/page/163281/action/1?locale=en-US

Want to advocate for the animals but don't know what to say? Click here for our suggested email and phone message language (and for more information on each bill and why it's harmful for animals): nhspca.org/uphold-the-veto-suggested-language/

We have just two days to make sure our representatives know that New Hampshire voters expect them to stand up for animals. The animals are counting on us. Please do not wait to contact your legislators and share this post. Thank you!

Great opportunity and certification to have!  Scholarship applications are now available and open to apply!
08/14/2026

Great opportunity and certification to have! Scholarship applications are now available and open to apply!

ASPCA / NACA Certification TrainingScholarship Application Form Download NACA's Scholarship Policy PLEASE NOTE: Only applications that are fully completed at the time of submission will be considered.All fields are required. Please enter NA if they do not apply to your agency. Scholarship Funds are....

08/12/2026

Are you familiar with the National Link Coalition? Their monthly LINK-letter sent to your email inbox is a wealth of information.

This month features info pertaining to NH HB 1522 signed into law on July 2.

Please take a moment to request the vetoes be upheld!!
08/12/2026

Please take a moment to request the vetoes be upheld!!

We extend our deepest condolences to our Animal Control family in Connecticut following the unexpected passing of Animal...
08/11/2026

We extend our deepest condolences to our Animal Control family in Connecticut following the unexpected passing of Animal Control Officer Bona, affectionately known as “Rusty.”

The loss of one of our own is felt far beyond town and state lines. Those who dedicate their lives to protecting animals and serving their communities share a bond that makes our profession feel like a family, and today, our hearts are with Rusty’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

We are thinking of our Connecticut Animal Control brothers and sisters during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest easy, Rusty. Your service, compassion, and dedication will not be forgotten. 🐾🖤

— Animal Control Officers Association of New Hampshire

View Oreste "Rusty" P. Bona's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Upcoming training opportunity!
08/07/2026

Upcoming training opportunity!

What do you think?  Have you noticed an increase while in your position?
08/05/2026

What do you think? Have you noticed an increase while in your position?

Dog bites are increasing nationwide. Explore the data and ask whether changes in modern animal welfare are affecting public safety.

08/04/2026

Hudson Woman Facing 17 Counts of Animal Cruelty After 17 Pets Removed From Apartment

A local woman faces nearly a dozen and a half criminal charges following an extensive investigation into horrific living conditions inside her Burns Hill Road apartment, local authorities announced.

Marcia Anderson, 52, of Hudson, was taken into custody without incident on July 16 and charged with 17 Class A misdemeanor counts of Negligent Cruelty to Animals (RSA 644:8).

The investigation began on May 28, 2026, when Hudson Police officers and Hudson Animal Control personnel responded to Anderson’s apartment after receiving tips regarding a high volume of dogs inside the unit.

Upon entering the residence with Anderson’s permission, officers discovered 14 dogs and three cats confined to a small, filthy space. According to police reports:

Foul Environment: Investigators noted animal f***s and urine scattered throughout the apartment, generating an overwhelming ammonia odor with very limited airflow.

Abusive Housing: Multiple dogs were visibly covered in urine. Anderson reportedly admitted to officials that the dogs were forced to sleep crowded together in a single crate.

Unlicensed Breeding: Authorities revealed Anderson had been breeding dogs inside the cramped apartment. None of the animals possessed required documentation or up-to-date vaccinations.

Conditions inside the home were so severe that the Hudson Fire Department was called to evaluate air quality. Responding police and Animal Control officers required medical evaluation by ambulance personnel due to prolonged exposure to the harmful environment.

All 17 animals were ultimately seized and removed from the property by Animal Control.

Following weeks of detailed documentation and coordination between police and animal welfare officials, an arrest warrant was issued for Anderson. Officers executed the warrant at approximately 8:10 p.m. on July 16, transporting her to the Hudson Police Department for booking and processing.

Anderson was released on personal recognizance bail and subsequently appeared for her arraignment on July 28 at the 9th Circuit Court in Nashua.

In a public statement, police emphasized their commitment to pursuing charges in cases of severe neglect:

"The Hudson Police Department and Hudson Animal Control take allegations of animal cruelty and neglect seriously. The department will continue to thoroughly investigate these reports, protect animals from unsafe living conditions, and pursue appropriate charges when supported by the evidence."

How to Help

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information regarding this ongoing investigation to contact the Hudson Police Department at 603-886-6011.

Address

Hudson, NH

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