This bill amends the New Mexico Livestock Code to include new definitions and regulations regarding free-roaming horses. It establishes that "free-roaming horses" are unclaimed horses found at large, and it allows for fertility control, relocation, and adoption of these horses under specific circumstances. The bill mandates that a registered "free-roaming horse expert" must oversee herd management activities, including the use of fertility control methods and humane capture for relocation. The New Mexico Livestock Board is tasked with approving the qualifications of these experts and can create rules regarding their registration and management practices.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the slaughter or export for slaughter of free-roaming horses, establishing penalties for violations. It outlines the responsibilities of the Livestock Board in registering equine rescue or retirement facilities and sets forth the requirements for humane management of free-roaming horses, including the need for microchipping or freeze branding for identification. The legislation aims to ensure the humane treatment of free-roaming horses while addressing the challenges of managing their populations in New Mexico.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 77-2-1.1, 77-2-30, 77-18-5
JC substitute: 77-2-1.1, 77-2-30, 77-18-5
Final Version: 77-2-1.1, 77-2-30, 77-18-5