New Mexico Statutes Chapter 77. Animals and Livestock § 77-1A-2. Definitions

A. “animal control authority” means an entity authorized to enforce the animal control laws of a city, county or state, whether acting alone or in concert with other governmental authorities. In those areas not served by an animal control authority, the sheriff or municipal law enforcement shall carry out the duties of the animal control authority under the Dangerous Dog Act;

B. “dangerous dog” means a dog that caused a serious injury to a person or domestic animal;

C. “owner” means a person who possesses, harbors, keeps or has control or custody of a dog or, if that person is under the age of eighteen, that person's parent or guardian;

D. “potentially dangerous dog” means a dog that may reasonably be assumed to pose a threat to public safety as demonstrated by the following behaviors:

E. “proper enclosure” means secure confinement indoors or outdoors, such as in a fenced yard, locked pen or other structure, that is designed to prevent the animal from escaping the confined area and young children from entering the confined area but does not include chaining, restraining or otherwise affixing the animal to a stationary object; and

F. “serious injury” means a physical injury that results in broken bones, multiple bites or disfiguring lacerations requiring sutures or reconstructive surgery.