New Mexico Statutes Chapter 77. Animals and Livestock § 77-1-20. Sterilization agreement and sterilization deposit required

A. No animal shall be released from an animal shelter to an adopting person unless a sterilization agreement has been signed and a sterilization deposit has been paid, as provided in Subsections C and D of this section.

B. In addition to any adoption fee charged, a sterilization deposit of at least twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be imposed on the adoption of each animal from an animal shelter.

C. Animals less than six months of age shall be released only upon payment of the adoption fee and a sterilization deposit and after the adopting person has signed an agreement stating he will have the adopted animal sterilized when it is no older than six months of age.

D. Adult animals over the age of six months shall be released only upon payment of the adoption fee and a sterilization deposit and after the adopting person has signed an agreement stating he will have the animal sterilized within thirty days of the date of adoption.

E. The sterilization deposit shall be reimbursed only upon presentation of a receipt from a veterinarian that the adopted animal has been sterilized.

F. An unsterilized animal reclaimed by its owner shall be released without being sterilized upon payment of the twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the sterilization deposit and impoundment fees imposed by the shelter, and the owner shall sign an agreement stating he will sterilize the animal within thirty days after release or will obtain a breeder permit or its equivalent. The sterilization deposit shall be reimbursed upon presentation by the owner of a receipt from a veterinarian that the animal has been sterilized.