New Mexico Statutes Chapter 77. Animals and Livestock § 77-13-4. Owner unknown; publication and posting of notice

(1) state when and where the equine was impounded and shall give notice that, unless the equine is claimed by the legal owner within five days after publication of the notice, a registered equine rescue or retirement facility shall be given the right of first refusal to purchase the equine for an ownership transfer fee equal to all actual costs incurred by the impounding agency in caring for the equine while the equine was impounded; and

(2) give notice that if a registered equine rescue or retirement facility is unable or unwilling to purchase the equine, the board shall auction the equine through a sealed-bid process administered by the board and established in rule and that if the equine is not purchased through the sealed-bid process, the board may pursue an alternative placement for care with a last resort option to humanely euthanize the equine by a licensed veterinarian.