This bill amends the New Mexico Livestock Code to include new definitions and regulations regarding free-roaming horses. It introduces the term "free-roaming horse" to describe unclaimed horses found at large, and establishes the role of a "free-roaming horse expert," who must be registered and meet specific qualifications set by the New Mexico Livestock Board. The bill allows for fertility control, relocation, and adoption of free-roaming horses under certain conditions, while also prohibiting their slaughter or export for slaughter. Additionally, it mandates that any free-roaming horse captured and relocated must be microchipped or freeze branded for identification.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the New Mexico Livestock Board, including the authority to create rules for the registration of free-roaming horse experts and to impose civil fines for violations. It emphasizes humane management practices for free-roaming horses, such as the use of fertility control and humane capture methods, and establishes penalties for those who violate the prohibition against slaughtering these animals. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure the humane treatment and management of free-roaming horse populations in New Mexico.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 77-2-1.1, 77-2-30, 77-18-5