NMSA 77-14-36. Impoundment of trespass livestock

77-14-36. Impoundment of trespass livestock. A. Any livestock found to be in trespass upon the lands of another or running at large upon any public highway that is fenced on both sides or running at large within the limits of any municipality, town or village, whether incorporated or not, or within a military reservation or enclave is subject to impoundment by an agent of the board. The place of impoundment shall be at the nearest or most convenient location from where the trespass occurred. B. Any livestock impounded under the provisions of this section shall be released to the owner or the owner's representative upon the payment by the owner of a fee set by regulation of the board not to exceed amounts prescribed by law for impounding. C. The board shall designate a custodian and a place of impoundment and allow a reasonable fee to be charged by the custodian of the impounded livestock; provided that in case of a controversy as to what constitutes a reasonable charge, the board shall set the amount of the charge. D. This section shall not be construed to affect the obligation of a property owner of meeting the requirements of Section 77-16-1 NMSA 1978 for fencing against such trespasses. E. Any cost charged against trespass livestock will be a lien on the livestock. If the owner does not pay the charges and reclaim possession of the livestock within five days after receipt of notification by the owner, the livestock shall be considered unclaimed estrays and may be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Section 77-13-5 NMSA 1978. History: 1953 Comp., § 47-15-35.1, enacted by Laws 1975, ch. 329, § 1; 1977, ch. 44, § 1; 1981, ch. 357, § 14; 1989, ch. 230, § 7; 2023, ch. 45, § 10.