New Mexico Statutes Chapter 77. Animals and Livestock § 77-16-18. Report of killed or crippled livestock; inspection and removal

A. Every railroad in this state, upon discovery of livestock killed or crippled upon a section of the railroad right-of-way, shall immediately make a report thereof to an inspector of the cattle sanitary board [New Mexico livestock board] or to any other person designated by the board for the purpose of receiving the report.

B. The report required by Subsection A shall designate the place where the crippled or killed livestock is located and the brand on the livestock. The board, or a person designated by it, shall promptly inspect the stock, notify the owner and make a report of the inspection, including therein the age, color, sex, approximate weight, marks and brand of the stock. One copy of the report shall be transmitted by the inspector to the board, one to the owner of the stock and one to the railroad.

C. Dead livestock shall not be destroyed by the railroad until the inspection required by this section is made, but if the inspection is not made within twenty-four hours after transmittal of the report by the railroad, the railroad may bury the dead stock and shall thereupon promptly notify the board, or the person designated by it, of the place of burial so that inspection may be made.

D. A railroad which fails to make any report required by this section is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

E. “Railroad” as used in this section includes any person, firm or corporation.