West's New Mexico Statutes Annotated Currentness. Chapter 77. Animals and Livestock. Article 1.
Dogs and Domesticated Animals. § 77-1-17. Abandoned dogs and cats; notice to owner; disposal
without liability

Citation: NM ST 77-1-17

Citation: NMSA 1978, § 77-1-17

Summary: This New Mexico statute provides that the owner or operator of a veterinary clinic
or hospital, a doctor of veterinary medicine, a kennel, grooming parlor or other animal care
facility is not liable for disposing of abandoned animals after proper notice has been sent to
the owner of record.

Statute in Full:
A. As used in this act, "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 care facility shall be deemed to be abandoned if, after the term
of any agreement for board or other care has expired, the dog or cat has not been reclaimed
within ten days after written notice has been given the owner or his agent by registered or
certified mail.

C. Any dog or cat deemed abandoned under the provisions of Subsection B of this section, may be
disposed of by the custodian if not reclaimed. Notice of the intent to dispose of a dog or cat
shall be given to the owner or his agent by registered or certified mail. Such notice, when sent
to the address given to the custodian by the owner, shall relieve the custodian from all
liability to the owner or his agent for the disposal of the dog or cat.

D. The custodian may turn over an abandoned dog or cat to the municipal or county animal
control center, pound or shelter for disposal by them. Nothing in this act shall affect the
holding time or notice procedures regarding any municipal or county control facility which is
owned or operated by, or is under contract or franchise to, a municipality or county.

E. Nothing in this act shall relieve the owner of a dog or cat for the payment of all
reasonable charges for medical or care services rendered to the dog or cat while in the custody
of a veterinarian, kennel, animal clinic or hospital, grooming parlor or other animal care
facility.

L. 1973, Ch. 94, § 1.