Section 77-1A-1 – Short title.
This act [77-1A-1 to 77-1A-6 NMSA 1978] may be cited as the “Dangerous Dog Act”. History: Laws 2005, ch. 61, § 1. ANNOTATIONS Effective dates. — Laws 2005, ch. 61 contained no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, was effective June 17, 2005, 90 days after adjournment of the […]
Section 77-1A-2 – Definitions.
As used in the Dangerous Dog Act: A. “animal control authority” means an entity authorized to enforce the animal control laws of a city, county or state, whether acting alone or in concert with other governmental authorities. In those areas not served by an animal control authority, the sheriff or municipal law enforcement shall carry […]
Section 77-1A-3 – Exceptions.
A dog shall not be declared a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog if: A. the dog was used by a law enforcement official for legitimate law enforcement purposes; B. the threat, injury or damage was sustained by a person or domestic animal who was: (1) trespassing upon premises occupied by the owner or the dog; […]
Section 77-1A-4 – Seizure of dog; petition to court.
A. If an animal control authority has probable cause to believe that a dog is a dangerous dog and poses an imminent threat to public safety, the animal control authority may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction in the county where the animal is located for a warrant to seize the animal. B. If […]
Section 77-1A-5 – Registration and handling requirements for dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs.
A. An animal control authority shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner of a potentially dangerous dog if the owner establishes that: (1) the owner is able to keep the dog under control at all times; (2) a license, if applicable, has been issued pursuant to the requirements of the jurisdiction; (3) the […]
Section 77-1A-6 – Prohibited acts; penalties.
A. It is unlawful for an owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog to: (1) keep the dog without a valid certificate of registration; (2) violate the registration and handling requirements for the dog; (3) fail to notify the animal control authority immediately upon: (a) the escape of the dog; or (b) an attack […]
Section 77-1B-1 – Short title. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Chapter 77, Article 1B NMSA 1978 may be cited as the “Animal Sheltering Act”. History: Laws 2007, ch. 60, § 1; 2009, ch. 102, § 3. ANNOTATIONS Delayed repeals. — Laws 2017, ch. 44, § 7 provided that Chapter 77, Article 1B NMSA 1978 is repealed effective July 1, 2024. See Section 61-14-20 NMSA 1978. […]
Section 77-1-17 – Abandoned dogs and cats; notice to owner; disposal without liability.
A. As used in this act [section], “custodian” means the owner or operator of a veterinary clinic or hospital, a doctor of veterinary medicine, a kennel, grooming parlor or other animal care facility. B. Any dog or cat placed in the custody of a veterinarian, kennel, animal clinic or hospital, grooming parlor or other animal […]
Section 77-1-8 – Repealed.
ANNOTATIONS Repeals. — Laws 1979, ch. 194, § 9, repealed 77-1-7 and 77-1-8 NMSA 1978, as enacted by Laws 1959, ch. 176, §§ 5 and 6 respectively, relating to the disposition of dogs or cats bitten by rabid animals and the declaration of a quarantine against rabies within a health district. For present provisions, see […]
Section 77-1-9 – Dogs; destruction.
A. Any peace officer may impound any dog found running at large unaccompanied by and not under the control of the owner or handler, and further, the peace officer shall destroy the dog if it is in the act of pursuing or wounding livestock or wounding and killing poultry or attacking humans. B. Any peace […]