N.M. Admin. Code § 16.24.7.14

Current through Register Vol. 36, No. 1, January 14, 2025

Section 16.24.7.14 - DISEASE CONTROL, HEALTH AND VETERINARY CARE STANDARDS

A. No animal shall be allowed to suffer due to lack of veterinary care.

B. Shelters shall not fail to provide treatment for pain.

C. Shelters shall ensure compliance with all federal, state and local laws concerning reportable diseases.

D. Animals may be examined for injury and signs of disease at the time of impound under the guidance of a veterinarian, if possible, and treated immediately if animal is in pain or distress. If injured or sick animals cannot be provided veterinary care in a timely manner to stop their pain and suffering, the animal shall be humanely euthanized or immediately transferred to another facility where veterinary care can be timely provided.

E. Common signs of illness, injury or parasitic infestation in dogs and cats that warrant veterinary care:

(1) Eyes are watery, appear swollen or show discharge.

(2) Ears are red or inflamed, show discharge or have a foul odor.

(3) Nose shows mucous, blood or pus discharge, or is crusty, congested or blocked.

(4) Gums are swollen or inflamed, teeth are loose or brown, or mouth has a foul odor.

(5) Animal is sneezing, coughing or wheezing.

(6) Animal has fleas or ticks, skin shows swelling or lesions.

(7) Animal limps or does not place weight on a limb.

(8) Animal is thin or obese.

(9) Animal has wounds, abscesses, cuts, or abrasions.

(10) Body temperature is abnormal.

(11) Animal is vomiting or has diarrhea.

F. Shelter may have a trained and experienced staff member, a veterinary technician or a veterinarian available to check animals and to provide care. Symptoms of possible illness shall be noted, recorded and brought to a supervisor's attention immediately.

G. Animals may be observed daily for signs of disease or distress. An animal suspected of having an infectious disease may be physically separated from other susceptible animals until the animal is determined to be non-infectious.

H. A system may be in place to care for injured and sick animals brought to the shelter after normal working hours. Shelters may enter into a written contract with a local veterinarian to be available on call for treatment after hours.

I. Animals with obvious signs of serious disease, injury or distress that cannot be addressed shall be humanely euthanized or be immediately transferred to another facility where veterinary care can be timely provided shall be humanely euthanized.

J. For humane reasons, it may be necessary to euthanize an animal despite the holding time requirements not having been met. An animal shall not be allowed to suffer while in the shelter's care.

K. Dogs and cats may be dipped or sprayed, top spotted or given oral treatment for fleas, ticks or internal parasites, as necessary. Methods shall be used according to the season, region of state and according to manufacturer's instructions concerning treatment strengths depending on size, age or health of animal.

N.M. Admin. Code § 16.24.7.14

Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXII, Issue 10, May 25, 2021, eff. 5/25/2021, Amended by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXII, Issue 20, October 26, 2021, eff. 11/1/2021