New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 16 - OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
Chapter 24 - SHELTERING PROVIDERS
Part 7 - MINIMUM STANDARDS - ANIMAL SHELTERS
Section 16.24.7.13 - ANIMAL CARE AND HANDLING STANDARDS

(1) Animals may be fed twice daily except in cases of veterinary treatment or malnutrition. The food shall be free of contamination, palatable and of sufficient quality and nutritive value to meet normal daily requirements for the condition, size and age of the animal. Refrigeration may be provided for perishable food.

(2) Uneaten food shall be discarded after 24 hours. Food offered to an animal remaining uneaten shall not be fed to other animals.

(3) Care shall be taken not to underfeed or overfeed animals.

(4) Special consideration regarding types of food and frequency of feeding shall be given to puppies, kittens, older animals, and nursing dams.

(5) Malnourished or emaciated animals may need an increased food intake; introduction of food shall be regulated and increased gradually preferably with veterinary guidance.

(6) Animals shall be provided potable water at all times.

(7) Food and water containers shall be accessible and located to minimize contamination by excrement or other material. Food and water containers shall be cleaned daily; disposable food containers may be used only if discarded after each use.

(8) Food and water containers may be of a size to ensure accessibility based on the size of the animal.

(9) Spoiled, moldy food or food contaminated with feces, droppings or insects shall never be used. Food left in food bowls from the previous day shall be disposed of, disposable bowls discarded and non-disposable bowls cleaned.

(1) Enrichment means improving the environment and behavioral care for confined animals. Enrichment reduces stress and improves well-being by providing physical and mental stimulation and encouraging species-typical behaviors. Enrichment shall not be considered optional.

(2) If the recommended space requirements for dogs cannot be met due to shelter configuration, dogs may be exercised twice daily. For dogs requiring an opportunity to exercise, a written plan may be on file with each exercise session noted.

(3) Behavioral health and care of each animal as well as the conditions experienced by the entire population shall be a consideration of the shelter.

(1) Animals that have bitten a human shall be quarantined pursuant to New Mexico state law, local municipal or county ordinances.

(2) A veterinarian may be consulted.

(3) Animals under quarantine for observation of rabies symptoms after a bite incident shall be physically separated from all other animals and shall never be housed with animals under treatment for a communicable disease.

(4) Quarantine areas may have a separate ventilation system and may only be accessible to shelter personnel or owners accompanied by shelter personnel.

(5) Animals diagnosed and/or under treatment for a communicable disease may be isolated from healthy animals to minimize spread of disease. If isolation is impossible or inadequate to control the spread of pathogens, the shelter shall weigh consequences of exposure to general population and the alternatives of euthanasia or transfer to an appropriate separate facility.

(1) Shelter animals shall always be handled safely and humanely to prevent injury, distress and spread of disease both to animals and personnel.

(2) Adequate animal handling equipment such as transfer cages, nets, catch poles, syringe poles shall be available, kept clean and in good repair to ensure the safety of personnel and animals.

(3) Shelter personnel may be trained in current humane and sanitary animal handling techniques.

(4) Long term confinement, including feral and aggressive animals, who cannot be provided with basic care, daily enrichment and exercise without inducing stress shall be euthanized or transferred to a separate facility.

(5) The minimal amount of physical restraint needed without injury to people or animals shall be used.

(6) The use of catch poles for routine restraint of cats, including carrying or lifting, is inhumane and poses significant risk of injury to the animal and shall not be used. Humane traps, boxes or nets designed for restraint shall be used for handling fractious cats or cats who appear to be unaccustomed to handling.

(7) When cats are moved from one location to another, it is recommended to cover the carrier with a towel or sheet to reduce stress and susceptibility to disease.

(8) Cats may be provided with clean bedding in each cage. Bedding shall be replaced when soiled or wet and when a new animal is introduced to the enclosure.

(9) Bedding or platforms may be provided to dogs on an as needed basis. Clean bedding may be provided to old, young, ill, or injured dogs. Bedding shall be replaced when soiled or wet and when a new animal is introduced to the enclosure. Only single layer bedding may be used for puppies and kittens to prevent accidental suffocation. Bedding may be withheld if it poses a danger to the animal.

(10) Nursing dams may be provided with a whelping box. If a shelter is unable to provide a whelping box, the shelter shall ensure nursing dams have adequate bedding, warmth and cleanliness. Bedding shall be provided in the whelping box and replaced when soiled or wet.

(11) Nursing mothers and their babies may be removed from other animals to allow for privacy, protect them from unwanted intrusion and noise, to alleviate fear/aggression, and to promote their general well-being.

(12) Animals may be cleaned and groomed on an as needed basis.

(13) Medical issues may be treated; matted coats can cause pain, skin or eye irritation, or trap fecal matter. Bathing may be necessary to prevent or treat parasites and/or insects.

(14) No animal shall be allowed to suffer while in the care of the shelter.

(15) Care shall be taken to ensure that animals are not squirted or hosed with water, not put in contact with chemicals and not placed back in a wet or damp enclosures.