After learning about the fate of Peanut and Fred, Representative James Spillane took action to make sure their story isn’t repeated in the Granite State. This legislative session, the Deerfield Republican is proposing legislation that would allow the ownership of some squirrels and raccoons.
“It gave a black eye to New York and we don’t need to get a black eye in New Hampshire,” he said.
“My fear is somebody’s going to move into the state with a pet, and we’re going to tell you, ‘You can’t get veterinary care, and you’ve got to pretend you don’t have that pet,’” he said.
Get N.H. Morning Report
Advertisement
A weekday newsletter delivering the N.H. news you need to know right to your inbox.
Spillane said his bill, which has the backing of several other Republican lawmakers, provides two paths to legal ownership of pet raccoons and squirrels, including for people who move into New Hampshire from states that permit the animals as pets, and allowing them to become pets after being rehabilitated by NH Fish and Game.
But, Spillane said, his bill stops short of making all ownership of pet raccoons and squirrels legal. It still wouldn’t allow people to purchase the animals at a pet store, to breed them, or to capture them from the wild.
“We’re in the same position with these as we were with ferrets about 15 years ago,” Spillane said.
Raccoons and squirrels aren’t the only critters lawmakers are eyeing in 2025. A proposal from
Advertisement
Democratic Senator Donovan Fenton of Keene would proclaim the Virginia opossum as New Hampshire’s official state marsupial.
The nocturnal critter, which is already the official state marsupial of North Carolina, can be found in New Hampshire and throughout much of North America.
This story first appeared in Globe NH | Morning Report, our free newsletter focused on the news you need to know about New Hampshire, including great coverage from the Boston Globe and links to interesting articles from other places. If you’d like to receive it via e-mail Monday through Friday, you can sign up here.
Amanda Gokee can be reached at amanda.gokee@globe.com. Follow her @amanda_gokee.
A 12-year-old boy from Massachusetts was remembered as a “magical” middle school student after he died after an accident at a New Hampshire ski slope.
Jack Murrary, 12, was skiing at Cranmore Mountain in Conway, New Hampshire, New Year’s Eve when he struck a tree while navigating an intermediate trail. Authorities said in a release the young boy was wearing a protective helmet at the time of the accident.
The Conway Police Department said he was found unconscious and was rushed to MaineHealth Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“Born on May 23, 2012, he is the adored son of Paul and Crystal and the loving and best ‘big bro bro’ to Finley Murray of Weymouth. Jack is the most magical little boy and was on his way to becoming a truly exceptional man,” his obituary says.
Advertisement
SKI ACCIDENT ON NEW HAMPSHIRE MOUNTAIN KILLS 12-YEAR-OLD BOY
Twelve-year-old Jack Murray was identified as the victim of a skiing accident in Conway, N.H., Dec. 31.(Keohane Funeral Home)
“His positivity and laughter are infectious. He is a loving and patient person who always sees the best in people. Jack is compassionate, empathetic and gives the best hugs. Jack is the greatest child a parent could ask for, and we are all better people for having known him.”
Jack, who played drums in the school band, had a GoFundMe established in his memory, and his family asked people to honor his life by donating to a music program in lieu of flowers.
“Helping other aspiring musicians like Jack get access to enrich their lives through the arts is a wonderful way to honor Jack’s memory,” his father, Paul Murray, wrote on the GoFundMe page.
Advertisement
Jack Murray was remembered for his passion for life and his varying interests. (GoFundMe)
In his obituary, the 12-year-old was remembered as a “bright light,” with his family listing an impressive list of interests the middle school student was passionate about.
“The brightest shining lights in life never shine long enough and Jack was that bright light for so many,” the obituary said. “Despite his short life he did more in twelve years than most do in a lifetime.”
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL COACH DEAD, 8-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER MISSING AFTER CHRISTMAS EVE TRAGEDY
Murray was remembered for being a budding entrepreneur, playing soccer and the trombone and drums and for his artistic ability.
“Jack loved his family, friends and neighbors (told them that regularly) and he knew how much he was loved back. Jack’s absence will leave a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him and the entire Weymouth community,” his family said.
Advertisement
“We ask that everyone take inspiration from the way Jack lived his short life and apply that to your own lives. We love you Jack always and forever!”
Skiers and riders make their way down the mountain at Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, N.H.(Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
In a statement after the accident, a spokesperson for Cranmore Mountain Resort shared condolences for “this tragic loss.”
“On behalf of Cranmore Mountain Resort, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family,” a resort spokesperson said. “The entire Cranmore family grieves for this tragic loss.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Conway Police Chief Christopher Mattei echoed the ski resort’s sentiment, saying: “On behalf of the Conway Police Department and all the first responders who assisted, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family members of the 12-year-old boy.”
Advertisement
Fox News Digital’s Christina Shaw contributed to this report.
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to sarah.rumpf@fox.com and on X: @s_rumpfwhitten.
BEDFORD, N.H. (WHDH) – A Bedford, New Hampshire police officer was rushed to the hospital early Saturday morning after suffering a gunshot wound during a struggle with a suspect who was attempting to remove their firearm from their holster, officials said.
Officers responding to a report of a suspicious person at the Country Inn & Suites on South River Road around 1 a.m. spotted the suspect take off on foot, according to a department spokesperson.
During a struggle with one of the officers, a gun was discharged when the suspect tried to take it out of the officer’s holster.
The injured officer was taken to a Manchester hospital with what was believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.
Advertisement
The suspect, whose name has not been released, is in custody and is expected to be arraigned on criminal charges.
No additional information was immediately available.
This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24982514/Quest_3_dock.jpg "Meta’s ‘software update issue’ has been breaking Quest headsets for weeks")
