SENATE BILL 429

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Brenda G. McKenna

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO ANIMAL CRUELTY; PROHIBITING DOG TETHERING; PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR DOG TETHERING.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] PROHIBITION OF DOG TETHERING--EXCEPTIONS--PENALTY.--

          A. As used in this section:

                (1) "reasonable period" means a period of time not to exceed three hours a day, or a time that is otherwise approved by animal control; and

                (2) "tether" means that a person ties a dog with a rope, line or chain to a stationary object.

          B. No person shall tether or restrain a dog, or cause a dog to be tethered or restrained, for longer than is necessary for the person to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be tethered or restrained for a reasonable period; provided that this subsection shall not apply to:

                (1) accepted veterinary practices;

                (2) activities carried out for scientific research governed by standards of accepted educational or medicinal practices;

                (3) conduct that is directly related to the business of shepherding or herding cattle or livestock; or

                (4) conduct that is directly related to the business of cultivating agricultural products, if the tether or restraint is reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog.

          C. A person who tethers a dog is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be sentenced pursuant to the provisions of Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978.

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