As used in this subdivision, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. I. "Animal" means a domestic animal, a household pet, or a wild animal in captivity.
2. II. "Owner" means the person having the right of possession of an animal, whether such right was acquired by gift, purchase, or other means.
3. III. "Animal care center" means any veterinary establishment, humane society, boarding kennel, or other center providing care and treatment for animals.

4. IV. "Abandoned animal" means:

   1. (a) Any animal whose owner neglects or refuses to reclaim it within 7 days after the mailing of the notification provided for in RSA 437:19.
   2. (b) Any animal left in an animal care center by a person unknown or by an owner who, when leaving the animal, gives a false name or false address.
   3. (c) Any ferret in the custody of the animal care center for at least 7 days.
   4. (d) Any cat in the custody of the animal care center for at least 7 days which has a form of positive identification including, but not limited to a tattoo, collar, microchip, eartag, or any other form of identification approved by the commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food pursuant to rules adopted under RSA 466:13-a.
5. V. "Operator" means the director, manager, veterinarian, or other person charged with the supervision of an animal care center.

Source. 1985, 72:1. 1998, 368:2, eff. Aug. 25, 1998.