Animals

A. A municipality may: (1) prohibit cruelty to animals; (2) regulate, restrain and prohibit the running at large of any animal within the boundary of the municipality; and (3) provide by ordinance for the impounding and disposition of animals found running at large. Prior to the time set for disposing of the animal as provided in the ordinance, the owner may regain possession of the animal by paying the poundmaster all costs incurred in connection with impounding the animal. B. Dogs shall be further regulated as provided in Sections 47-1-2 through 47-1-8 NMSA 1953 [28-11-1 and 77-1-2 to 77-1-15 NMSA 1978]. C. A municipality may, by ordinance, provide for the animal control services enumerated in this section to be performed by a contractor and may enter into a contract for the services. History: 1953 Comp., § 14-17-2, enacted by Laws 1965, ch. 300; 1971, ch. 171, § 1.