N.M. Admin. Code § 16.24.7.17 - COMMUNITY ACCESS AND SERVICE STANDARDS
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.
Notes
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