New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 16 - OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
Chapter 24 - SHELTERING PROVIDERS
Part 7 - MINIMUM STANDARDS - ANIMAL SHELTERS
Section 16.24.7.17 - COMMUNITY ACCESS AND SERVICE STANDARDS

Universal Citation: 16 NM Admin Code 16.24.7.17

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024

A. Shelters may be accessible to the public seeking to reclaim their animal or adopt an animal.

(1) Hours open to the public shall be clearly marked on the facility.

(2) The shelter's telephone number and address shall be listed in local telephone directories.

(3) The shelter may have internet presence with all pertinent information as well as listings of lost or found animals and animals available for adoption.

(4) Shelters may be open to the public at least one weekend day or two days until 6:00 p.m.

B. Shelters may have provisions for animals dropped off after hours. Care shall be taken so that animals are protected from injury, theft and the elements. Unattended drop boxes are not recommended. Provisions may be made for after hours entry, impoundment and treatment procedures for animal control officers to follow. Sick or injured animals shall be attended to by trained personnel immediately due to potential for unalleviated suffering of the animal as well as liability to the shelter.

C. When an animal has visible identification or a microchip upon impound, shelter personnel shall make every attempt to contact the owner. Each animal shall be scanned for a microchip and the number entered into the animal's record. If the owner surrenders a microchipped animal, the shelter shall determine if the surrendering owner matches the name on the microchip to ensure the animal is not stolen. In the case of stray animals, the shelter shall promptly attempt to contact the owner to whom the microchip is registered by telephone. In the event no contact can be made via telephone, then the shelter may send a letter to the address listed on the microchip registration. Attempts to trace microchip information and contact attempts with the registered owner shall be documented.

D. In addition to being scanned at intake, animals shall be re-scanned prior to final disposition. If the final disposition is by euthanasia, scanning shall be done pursuant to board of veterinary medicine rule Subsection B of Section 16.24.3.8 NMAC, Duties of Licensee and Certificate Holders.

E. Shelters shall refer to local, municipal or county ordinance which address the minimum stray holding time. Stray animals without identification should be held long enough to give owner sufficient time to reclaim the animal. Stray animals with identification i.e. tag, tattoo, and/or microchip may be held long enough to allow the shelter sufficient time for notification and owner reclaim.

F. Animals in law enforcement protective custody shall be in locked areas with appropriate signage that meet standards and are inaccessible to the public. Depending on the case type, owner may be allowed to visit the animal or animals.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Mexico may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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