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The Crime of Cruelty to Animals in New Mexico: What You Need to Know
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The Crime of Cruelty to Animals in New Mexico: What You Need to Know
Animal cruelty is a big problem in New Mexico, especially with horses, donkeys and mules. But it can be hard to know what counts as cruelty, what to do if you see it happening, and what the consequences are. This article will explain the basics so you can be informed.
What Counts as Cruelty
There’s two main types of cruelty under New Mexico law:
- Intentional cruelty (abuse) – like torturing, mutilating, injuring, poisoning, or killing an animal on purpose
- Neglect – failing to provide food, water, shelter, or vet care that causes suffering
Some examples of cruelty are beating, stabbing or shooting an animal, failing to feed or give water to livestock, or leaving a dog chained outside without adequate shelter. Cruelty does not include lawful activities like hunting, fishing, or euthanizing a sick animal.
Levels of Charges
There’s different levels of criminal charges for animal cruelty in New Mexico:
- Extreme Cruelty – a 4th degree felony if the abuse causes death, mutilation or serious injury. Punishable by 18 months in prison or $5,000 fine.
- Cruelty – a misdemeanor for other intentional cruelty or neglect. Punishable by 364 days in jail or $1,000 fine.
The more serious the cruelty, the higher level of felony charge it can bring. Defendants may also have to pay court costs, impound fees, and vet bills.
Reporting Cruelty
If you see animal cruelty happening, the best thing to do is report it right away. Some contacts to call are:
- Local law enforcement
- Local humane society
- NM Livestock Board for livestock cases (505-841-6161)
When you call, be ready to explain:
- Number and type of animals involved
- Exact address/location of the abuse
- Directions or description of the property
- Name of suspected abuser if known
- Details about the type of abuse/neglect
- If the animals are visible from a public road
- If there are other witnesses
Do not trespass onto private property to help or photograph the animals. Let law enforcement handle that.
What Happens After Reporting
After getting a cruelty report, investigators will visit the property and evaluate the animals. If their health is at immediate risk, they may be seized right away and taken to a vet. Otherwise, the owner will be monitored and re-checked on.
Based on the evidence, the investigators will work with prosecutors to file criminal charges – either a felony for extreme cruelty, or a misdemeanor for lesser cruelty/neglect. Defendants have the right to defend themselves in court.
Dealing with Your Own Animals
If you become unable to properly care for your own animals, there are some options:
- Ask friends, family or neighbors for temporary help with food, water and shelter
- Sell the animals, especially horses, through auction if possible
- Surrender them to the NM Livestock Board or a rescue group
- As a last resort, humanely euthanize them
Letting them suffer without basic necessities is against the law. Reach out for help before it gets to that point.
Penalties If Convicted
If convicted of animal cruelty charges, penalties can include:
- Jail time
- Fines up to $5,000 for felony or $1,000 for misdemeanor
- Probation or parole
- Paying court fees
- Paying impound and vet bills
- Losing ownership of the animals
- Being banned from owning animals
These convictions will also show up on a background check, which could impact future employment, housing, etc. So take animal cruelty laws seriously.
Conclusion
Animal cruelty is never acceptable, and in New Mexico it can bring serious legal punishments. Educate yourself on the laws so you can identify cruelty when it happens. And don’t hesitate to speak up by reporting cases to the authorities – you could save an animal’s life! With more public awareness and enforcement, hopefully we can get justice for abused animals and deter future cruelty in New Mexico.
References
Here are some useful resources on New Mexico animal cruelty laws and reporting: