2017 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 77 - Animals and Livestock
Article 14 - Trespass and Running at Large
Section 77-14-7 - Livestock running at large; when unlawful; impounding; sale; suit for damages.
77-14-7. Livestock running at large; when unlawful; impounding; sale; suit for damages.
A. It is unlawful for the owners of livestock to willfully allow the livestock to run at large within the town, conservancy district, irrigation district or military reservation or enclave. An owner who willfully allows livestock to run at large is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978 for each offense.
B. The sheriff or other peace officer or proper military authority or the board shall impound livestock found running at large and sell the livestock at public auction to the highest bidder for cash after giving notice of the time and place of sale in some newspaper published in the county where the violation occurred three days prior to the day of sale; provided that in the case of a military reservation or enclave, the sale shall be conducted by the board pursuant to the procedure set forth in Section 77-14-36 NMSA 1978. The proceeds up to ten dollars ($10.00) per day for each animal shall be retained by the impounding authority to cover its expense and fees. The balance, if any, shall be paid to the general fund.
C. The owner of livestock impounded may redeem the livestock at any time prior to sale by paying the impound fees and costs incurred for each day or portion of a day that the livestock has been in custody; provided that in the case of a military reservation or enclave, redemption shall be allowed pursuant to Section 77-14-36 NMSA 1978.
D. A person claiming damages for violation of the order may file suit to recover damages as in other civil cases; provided that such damages, in the case of a violation involving a military reservation or enclave, shall include direct, indirect, incidental and consequential damages.
History: Laws 1909, ch. 146, 4; Code 1915, 38; C.S. 1929, 4-308; Laws 1939, ch. 119, 4; 1941 Comp., 49-1606; 1953 Comp., 47-15-6; Laws 1989, ch. 230, 6; 1999, ch. 282, 88; 2017, ch. 129, 1.
