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30-8-13. Unlawfully permitting livestock upon public highways
A. Unlawfully permitting livestock upon public highways consists of any owner or custodian
of livestock negligently permitting his livestock to run at large upon any part of a
public highway which is fenced on both sides.
B. Every owner or custodian of livestock shall exercise diligence to keep his livestock off the state public fenced highways, and shall promptly report to the state highway department any damage or disrepair discovered of fences maintained by the department adjoining his property. The state highway department shall:
(1) unless it makes a fact determination that no livestock can enter the highway from a portion left unfenced, construct, inspect regularly and maintain fences along all highways under its jurisdiction which are constructed or improved from time to time after the effective date of this section, and in addition thereto provide cattle underpasses, water pipelines and cattle guards as may be necessary; and
(2) post proper signs along all highways under its jurisdiction which are not fenced on both sides and which are located adjacent to property containing livestock. The signs shall be located at intervals of not less than two miles along such unfenced highways and shall warn motorists that loose livestock may be encountered and that caution should be used.
C. Each board of county commissioners shall similarly fence or post signs along highways within its jurisdiction when the domestic livestock are deemed a hazard to public health and safety as may be determined by the county commissioners.
D. A motorist using unfenced roads or highways which have livestock warning signs shall use due care to avoid collisions with livestock.
E. Whoever commits unlawfully permitting livestock upon public highways is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
30-8-14. Highway department; agreements with owners or lessees of highway
frontage; provisions
A. Notwithstanding the responsibility of the highway department under the provisions of
Section 30-8-13 NMSA 1978 to construct, inspect regularly and maintain fences along all
highways under its jurisdiction, the highway department may enter into an agreement with
an owner or lessee of property adjoining a public highway to keep a specified section of
the highway frontage unfenced for use as roadside business; provided, however, that such
owner or lessee, whoever is party to the agreement, shall agree:
(1) to assume full responsibility for constructing and maintaining livestock fencing on the property which he owns or leases in such a manner so as to prevent the entry of livestock onto the highway; and
(2) to be liable for any damage caused by livestock entering upon the public highway from his property if the property in question is not fenced or the fencing not maintained pursuant to the agreement with the highway department.
B. Nothing in this section shall preclude an owner or lessee who has entered into an agreement with the highway department pursuant to this section from also being subject to the penalties set out in Section 30-8-13 NMSA 1978.
66-7-363. Animals on highway
A. It is unlawful for any person, during the hours of darkness, to ride a horse
or other animal upon the traveled portion of any highway which is normally used by motor
vehicles.
B. It is unlawful for any person negligently to permit livestock to wander or graze upon
any fenced highway at any time or, during the hours of darkness, to drive livestock along
or upon any highway which is normally used by motor vehicles.
C. Owners of livestock ranging in pastures through which unfenced roads or highways pass shall not be liable for damages by reason of injury or damage to persons or property occasioned by collisions of vehicles using said roads and highways and livestock or animals ranging in said pastures unless such owner of livestock is guilty of specific negligence other than allowing his animals to range in said pasture.
77-12-1. ["Person" defined.]
Whenever the word "person" is used in this act [77-12-1 to 77-12-12 NMSA 1978],
it shall include persons, firms and corporations.
77-12-2. [Petition for herd law district, contents and filing; hearing;
publication of notice; conduct; order; publication; exception.]
Whenever persons who own or hold under lease or contract of purchase a majority of the
acres of contiguous tracts of land, aggregating not less than three thousand eight hundred
and forty acres, shall file with the board of county commissioners of the county in which
such lands or a major portion thereof, are situated, a petition in writing signed and
acknowledged in the same manner as conveyances of deeds to real estate, and accurately
defining such tracts of land and setting forth the correct acreage of each tract,
requesting such board to declare such tracts of land a herd law district, said board of
county commissioners shall, at the next regular or special meeting of said board, enter an
order fixing the time and place, not less than twenty nor more than thirty days from the
date of such regular or special meeting, for a hearing on said petition. The clerk of such
board shall give notice of the time and place of such hearing by publishing a notice
thereof in two successive issues of a legal newspaper of general circulation published
nearest to the said proposed district. The last publication shall be not less than ten
days prior to the date of said hearing. At the time and place fixed for said hearing said
board of county commissioners shall hear said petition, and if it finds the same is duly
signed and acknowledged as herein provided, by persons who are owners, lessees or contract
purchase holders, of a majority of the acres of lands within said proposed districts and
otherwise complies with the provisions of this act [77-12-1 to 77-12- 12 NMSA 1978], it
shall enter an order declaring that all of said tracts of land embraced in said proposed
district, from and after thirty days from the date of said order, shall be a herd law
district within the meaning of this act, and shall cause a notice thereof, accurately
defining the boundaries of said district, and stating that said district from and after
the expiration of thirty days from the date of said order shall be a herd law district
within the meaning of this act, to be published in two consecutive issues of the same
newspaper as the notice of said hearing. The last of such publications shall be not less
than ten days prior to the date said order shall take effect. Provided, however, that no
such herd law district shall be created unless at least one-fourth of the land embraced
therein is being used for agricultural purposes.
77-12-3. [Parts of lands not to be included without consent.]
Such district shall not include any part of the contiguous land held by any person as
owner, lessee or contract purchaser, unless it shall include the whole of all such lands
of such person, except where such person shall expressly consent thereto by signing and
acknowledging said petition.
77-12-4. [Publications; language.]
The publications required by this act [77-12-1 to 77-12- 12 NMSA 1978] shall be made in
English or Spanish or both in the discretion of the board of county commissioners. The
board of county commissioners at the time of entering the orders herein provided for shall
enter an order directing the language or languages in which such publication shall be
made.
77-12-5. [Trespassing in district; damages; lien on brand.]
From and after the date said order takes effect, when any trespassing shall have been done
by any cattle, horses, sheep, goats, hogs or other livestock, upon the land or property
within said district, whether such land or property is enclosed with a legal fence or not,
the person who is the owner, lessee or contract purchase holder of such land or property,
may recover any damages he may sustain by reason thereof in any court of competent
jurisdiction, and the person so damaged is hereby given a lien on all livestock of the
same kind or brand belonging to the owner of such trespassing animals or livestock for the
recovery of all damages and costs.
77-12-6. Distraint of livestock for damages.
A person damaged by trespassing livestock may hold and distrain the trespassing livestock
until the damages that he has suffered and the costs, including a reasonable amount set by
the board per head per day for feeding and caring for the livestock during the time the
livestock is so distrained, are paid or legally tendered. The person distraining the
livestock shall give notice to the owner, if known or ascertainable, within forty-eight
hours after distraint.
77-12-7. [Petition for dissolution of district; procedure.]
Upon like petition requesting the dissolution of such district, and after the same notice
and hearing as herein provided for the formation of such district, the board of county
commissioners of the county in which such tracts of land or a major portion thereof are
situated, shall enter an order dissolving such district.
77-12-8. [Judicial notice of district proceedings.]
The court shall take judicial notice of the filing of such petition, the granting of such
order, the publication thereof and of the location, extent and description of the district
set forth in such order and publication.
77-12-9. [Fencing of exterior boundaries.]
The owners, contract purchasers or lessees of lands, lying next to the exterior boundaries
of any such herd law district, may construct a legal fence along the whole or any part of
such exterior boundaries including the intersection with the roads which enter such
districts, provided they construct automobile runways and cattle guards and gates in such
fences where same cross such roads, according to plans and specifications approved by the
state highway engineer and such runways, cattle guards and gates when so constructed,
provided said gates are closed, shall not be construed to render such fence not a legal
fence.
77-12-10. Failure to close gate; penalty.
A person who opens and fails to close a gate provided for in Section 77-12-9 NMSA 1978 is
guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be sentenced in accordance with the
provisions of Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978.
77-12-11. Livestock at large on herd law district road; penalty.
An owner or holder of livestock described in Section 77-12-6 NMSA 1978 who permits
livestock to run at large on a public road within a herd law district is guilty of a
misdemeanor and on conviction shall be sentenced in accordance with the provisions of
Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978.
77-12-12. [Application of act.]
This act [77-12-1 to 77-12-12 NMSA 1978] shall not apply to territory within an
incorporated city, town or village, nor shall it be construed to repeal, amend or in
anywise affect the provisions of Chapter 88 of the Session Laws of 1919 [77-14-8 to
77-14-24 NMSA 1978], as amended by Chapter 70 of the Session Laws of 1921, but such
owners, lessees and contract purchase holders within any organized irrigation district may
take advantage of the provisions of this act.
77-13-1. Possession of estray unlawful
It shall be unlawful for any person, corporation or company or its employees or agents to
take up any estray and retain possession of the estray except as provided in Chapter 77,
Article 13 NMSA 1978.
77-13-2. Impoundment of estray animals.
A. A person shall not impound an estray except when the estray is found on property the
person owns or controls. When a person impounds an estray, he shall, within five days of
the impoundment, notify the director or an inspector of the impoundment.
B. A person having knowledge of an estray upon any public or private range, fenced or
unfenced, may notify the director or an inspector, giving description of the estray, and
upon instructions from the board or inspector the estray shall be turned over to an
inspector for disposition as the board may direct according to law.
C. It is lawful for a person having knowledge of an estray grazing on public land, public
highways or other lands used for grazing purposes in conjunction with public land and who
has the prior approval of or is acting in cooperation with an agent of the board to
impound and detain the estray for the purpose of ascertaining ownership by brand or other
means of identification. The owner of the estray found to be in trespass shall be allowed
forty-eight hours from receipt of notice of impoundment within which to claim the animal
and make settlement for trespass damage. If the owner fails to claim the animal and effect
a settlement for trespass damages within the time allowed, the estray detained shall be
turned over to an inspector or other agent of the board for disposition in the same manner
as provided for other estrays under Chapter
77, Article 13 NMSA 1978.
77-13-3. Examination of brand records; notice to owner; charge for care; limitation.
Upon receiving notice of the impoundment of an estray the director shall make or cause to
be made an examination of the brand records. If from this record the name of the owner or
probable owner can be determined, the director shall notify the owner of the impoundment
of the estray and, upon the owner proving to the satisfaction of the board that the estray
is lawfully his, the board shall issue to him an order to receive the estray upon payment
of any reasonable charges that may have been incurred in the care of the estray impounded.
77-13-4. Owner unknown; publication and posting of notice
If the director of the New Mexico livestock board is unable to determine from the records
and description who is the owner or probable owner of such estray or estrays, he shall
publish at least once in some publication in general circulation in the county in which
the estray animal was picked up, said publication to be designated by the New Mexico
livestock board, a notice of such estray, which notice shall give a description of the
animal or animals, shall state when and where the same were impounded and shall give
notice that unless the animal or animals are claimed by the legal owner within five days
after the publication of the notice, the same shall be sold by the New Mexico livestock
board for the benefit of the owner when found.
77-13-5. Sale of unclaimed estrays; bill of sale; effect; sale without
advertisement; conditions.
If an estray is not claimed within five days after the last publication of
notice, it may be sold by the board through an inspector in such manner as the board may
direct. The inspector making the sale shall give a bill of sale to the purchaser from the
board, signed by himself as inspector. The bill of sale shall be legal evidence of the
ownership of the livestock by the purchaser and shall be a legal title to the livestock.
Where the director determines that it is impractical to publish notice, the estray may be
sold immediately without notice. In such case, the board shall publish notice of the
proceeds from the sale of the estray in the same manner and for the same length of time as
provided for the notice of the sale and shall hold and distribute the proceeds from the
sale in the same manner as if the sale were made after notice.
77-13-6. Disposition of proceeds; record of sale; payments to owner.
The inspector making the sale of an estray shall return the proceeds of the sale to the
board. The board shall pay the expenses incurred in the impounding, publishing of notice
and selling of the animal and place the balance in the fund of the board, making a record
of the same showing the marks and brands and other means of identification of the
livestock and giving the amount realized from the sale. The record shall be open to the
inspection of the public. Should the lawful owner of an estray that has been sold be found
within two years after the sale of the livestock, the net amount received from the sale of
the estray less the sum prescribed by law for office handling fees shall be paid to the
owner upon his proving ownership to the satisfaction of the board.
77-13-7. Rights of impounder; charges; determination by board
Upon the impoundment of any estray animal or animals as provided in Section 77-13-2 NMSA
1978, the impounder shall be entitled to hold same lawfully until relieved of their
custody by the New Mexico livestock board. Should a claimant for the animal or animals
apply to the impounder for possession of the same, the impounder shall at once notify the
New Mexico livestock board in writing of such application. Should the board be satisfied
that the applicant is the lawful owner, it shall forthwith issue an order by the director
authorizing the impounder to deliver said estray or estrays to the owner, who may be
required to pay any reasonable charges incurred by the impounder; provided, that in case
of a controversy as to what shall constitute a reasonable charge, the New Mexico livestock
board shall fix the amount, the time of service for which the impounder may claim
remuneration, commencing on the date of notification made by the impounder to the New
Mexico livestock board.
77-13-8. Impounding estray; failure to notify board; penalty.
It is unlawful for a person other than an inspector to impound or retain possession of an
estray except as provided in Sections 77-13-2 and 77-13-7 NMSA 1978. A person who impounds
an estray contrary to the provisions of Chapter 77, Article 13 NMSA 1978 is guilty of a
misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be sentenced in accordance with the provisions of
Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978 for each offense.
77-13-9. Escape or removal of estray; possessory right of person impounding
If any animal, after having been impounded by any person under the provisions of this
article, shall escape or be taken from the possession or custody of such person before the
same shall have been disposed of under the provisions of the [this] article, then such
person or the New Mexico livestock board or its authorized inspector shall have the right
to recover the animal wherever the same may be found, to be held until disposed of as
provided for in this article.
77-13-10. Rights of municipalities not affected
Nothing in this article shall amend, alter, change or interfere with the rights of any
incorporated municipality in this state to prevent the running at large of any stock
within the corporate limits of said municipality, and the impounding of the same as is now
provided by law.
77-14-2. Definition.
As used in Chapter 77, Article 14 NMSA 1978, "proper military authority" means
the commanding officer or other person in charge of a military reservation or enclave.
77-14-3. Trespass on lands.
A. It is unlawful for a person or his agents or employees having charge of livestock to
permit or allow the livestock to go upon the lands of others in this state for the purpose
of grazing or watering upon any waters upon the lands without the permission of the owner
or legal claimant or his agent. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to
affect the obligation of a property owner to meet the requirements of Section 77-16-1 NMSA
1978 for fencing against such trespasses and shall apply not only to titled lands in this
state but to any lands upon which a person may have a valid existing filing under the laws
of the United States or any lands that may be leased by any person from the state.
B. A person or proper military authority who claims the benefits of the protection of this
section shall carefully and conspicuously mark the line of his lands so that such mark may
be easily seen by persons handling livestock and shall post a notice upon the land
conspicuously, warning against trespassing or shall serve personal written notice giving
description of the land by government surveys or by metes and bounds.
77-14-4. Animals running at large in unincorporated towns, conservancy districts,
irrigation districts and on military
reservations or enclaves
The boards of county commissioners of the counties of this state are authorized and
empowered to prohibit the running at large of livestock within the limits of any
conservancy or irrigation district organized under the laws of the state, and within any
portion of a military reservation or enclave, and situate in whole or in part in such
county. The high line canals of the conservancy or irrigation district and the fence
erected by a military reservation or enclave are the boundaries of the district for the
purposes of Sections 77-14-4 through 77-14-7 NMSA 1978.
77-14-5. Livestock running at large; petition to prohibit
The inhabitants of any such town, conservancy district, irrigation district or a proper
military authority desiring such action in the county in which they reside or in which any
portion of a military reservation or enclave is located, may apply to the board of county
commissioners of the county in which the town is situate or the board of county
commissioners of that county by petition in writing signed by at least twenty-five
residents of the town or districts, or by the proper military authority, asking for an
order prohibiting the running at large of livestock within the limits of the town,
districts or by the military reservation or enclave. The petition shall define the limits
of the town, district or military reservation or enclave which limits shall be plainly
marked by posts at the corners of the platted townsites of the town, and of any platted
additions to the town. The limits of the conservancy or irrigation districts shall be the
boundaries of the high line canals of the districts as defined in Section 77-14-4 NMSA
1978. The limits of a military reservation or enclave shall be marked by proper fencing
which complies with New Mexico State Law pursuant to 77-16-1 and 77-14-11.
77-14-6. Animals running at large; order prohibiting; publication
Upon receipt of such petition, the board of county commissioners shall make an order
prohibiting the running at large of livestock within the limits of the platted townsite
and platted addition or within the limits of the conservancy or irrigation districts, or
within the limits of the military reservation or enclave as the case may be, and shall
cause the order to be published once each week for four consecutive weeks in some
newspaper published in the county where the petition has been filed.
77-14-7. Livestock running at large; when unlawful; impounding; sale; suit for
damages.
A. After the publication and posting of an order pursuant to Section 77-14-6 NMSA 1978, it
is unlawful for the owners of livestock to allow the livestock to run at large within the
town, conservancy district, irrigation district or military reservation or enclave. An
owner who willfully allows livestock to run at large in violation of the order is guilty
of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished in accordance with the provisions
of Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978 for each offense.
B. The sheriff or other peace officer or proper military authority shall impound livestock
found running at large and sell the livestock at public auction to the highest bidder for
cash after giving notice of the time and place of sale in some newspaper published in the
county where the violation occurred three days prior to the day of sale; provided that in
the case of a
military reservation or enclave, the sale shall be conducted by the board pursuant to the
procedure set forth in Section 77-14-36 NMSA 1978. The proceeds up to five dollars ($5.00)
per day for each animal shall be retained by the impounding authority to cover its expense
and fees. The balance, if any, shall be paid to the general fund.
C. The owner of livestock impounded may redeem the livestock at any time prior to sale by
paying the impound fees and costs incurred for each day or portion of a day that the
livestock has been in custody; provided that in the case of a military reservation or
enclave, redemption shall be allowed pursuant to Section 77-14-36 NMSA 1978.
D. A person claiming damages for violation of the order may file suit to recover damages
as in other civil cases; provided that such damages, in the case of a violation involving
a military reservation or enclave, shall include direct, indirect, incidental and
consequential damages.
77-14-8. Irrigation districts; impounding trespassing animals.
Whenever a majority of the resident landowners who are qualified voters in any political
subdivision of an irrigation section petitions the board of county commissioners in which
the political subdivision is located for an order permitting trespassing livestock to be
restrained and held for damages under the terms set forth in Sections 77-14-8 through
77-14-24 NMSA 1978, the board of county commissioners, at its first regular session after
the filing of the petition with the county clerk, shall grant the request in the petition
and cause an order to that effect to be duly entered. Sections 77-14-8 through 77-14-24
NMSA 1978 also apply to such animals as are kept, fed, pastured and maintained outside of
the political subdivision and include livestock running on the range outside of or kept,
fed, pastured and maintained outside of the political subdivision.
77-14-9. [Definition of political subdivision.]
By the term "political subdivision," as used herein [77- 14-8 to 77-14-24 NMSA
1978], is meant:
A. any division of an irrigation district organized under Chapter 60 of the New Mexico Code of 1915, and amendments thereto;
B. any election precinct of any water users' association organized under Chapter 113 of the New Mexico Code of 1915;
C. any district described by metes and bounds in the petition for said order, provided that said district shall contain not less than three square miles of territory, and not less than one-third of said territory within said district shall be in actual cultivation by irrigation.
77-14-10. [Publication of order to restrain animals in irrigation district;
effective date; judicial notice.]
Immediately upon the granting of said order by the board of county commissioners it shall
be published under the direction of said board, in both Spanish and English, in some
newspaper or newspapers published in the county in which said subdivision is located, said
publication to be for four consecutive weeks and the same shall also be posted in six
public places within said subdivision. Said order shall be effective after five days from
and after the last day of said publication. In the event no newspaper is published in said
county, said posting shall be sufficient, and the said order shall take effect thirty days
after the date of posting thereof.
The courts shall take judicial notice of the filing of said petition, the granting of the order, the publication and posting thereof, and shall also take judicial notice of the location, extent and description of the political subdivision mentioned in said petition.
77-14-11. Right to impound; fences.
After the order has taken effect, a person within the political subdivision finding any
livestock trespassing upon his premises has the right to take up, hold and restrain the
livestock for such damages as it may have inflicted or he may deliver the livestock to the
nearest magistrate to be held and impounded under the conditions set forth in Sections
77-14-8 through 77-14-24 NMSA 1978; provided, however, that no person has the right under
those sections to hold and restrain livestock for damages when at the time of the
trespass, the person did not have surrounding his premises a fence equivalent to that
described in Chapter 77, Article 16 NMSA 1978. A fence greater or equivalent to such fence
in strength and resisting power, constructed of other material, shall be considered
sufficient for the purposes of Sections 77-14-8 through
77-14
77-14-12. [Holding animals for damages.]
Any person taking up any trespassing animals under the provisions of this act [77-14-8 to
77-14-24 NMSA 1978] may hold and restrain said animals, and may adjust the damages with
the owner of said stock, either by agreement or arbitration.
77-14-13. [Suit for damages in irrigation district; failure to file suit; return
of animals.]
In the event the owner of said stock and the party claiming damages cannot agree as to the
amount thereof, and are not willing to arbitrate the same, the party claiming damages may
file suit to recover damages, as in other civil cases. In the event the party claiming
damages shall fail to file suit within ten days from the date of delivery of said animals
to said justice of the peace [magistrate], said animals shall be returned to the owner
thereof upon payment of all costs.
77-14-14. [Replevin of animals; bond.]
The party owning said animals may replevin the same at any time in the same manner and
form as is provided in replevin actions. Provided, however, that the bond given shall be
conditioned as follows: STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF ..................
Know All Men By These Presents, that we ......................., as principal, and ............... and ............... as sureties, acknowledge ourselves bound unto ............... in the penal sum of ............... ($ ..............) dollars, for the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators and assigns.
The condition of this bond is that,
Whereas, ............... claims damages in the sum of ............... dollars against ................... for injuries he claims to have received by stock belonging to the said ...............: now if the said ............... shall recover damages against the said ............... either by arbitration or by suit, and the said ............... shall pay all sums that may be adjudged against him, either by arbitration or by suit, together with all costs, then this obligation shall be null and void, otherwise to remain in full force and effect.
Witness our hands this .......... day of ..............., 19.....
77-14-15. [Sale of animals before judgment; proceeds; liability of clerk.]
In the event suit is filed and said animals are not replevined, and the justice of the
peace [magistrate] is of the opinion that the cost of caring for said animals until final
judgment, and [sic] will ascertain the value of said animals, he may sell the same as
hereinafter provided, and after deducting from the proceeds of said sale all costs to
date, he shall deposit the remainder thereof with the county clerk to be held by him to
await final determination of said matter. The county clerk receiving any moneys under the
provisions of this act [77-14-8 to 77-14-24 NMSA 1978] shall be liable on his official
bond for the same.
77-14-16. [Animals taken up in irrigation district; sale; number necessary.]
Should it be necessary to sell any of said animals under the terms of this act [77-14-8 to
77-14-24 NMSA 1978], the justice of the peace [magistrate] shall sell only such number as
in his opinion shall be sufficient to pay all costs and claims based upon the amount
claimed or sued for, and shall deliver the remainder of said animals to the owner thereof.
Provided, that nothing herein shall be construed as relieving the owner of said stock for
any damages in excess of the proceeds derived from said sale.
77-14-17. [Delivery of animals to magistrate for sale.]
In the event the party claiming damages and the owner of the property, cannot agree as to
the damages, or in the event said parties do not agree to arbitrate the same, or in the
event said parties do agree as to the damages, and the owner fails or refuses to
immediately pay the same, or in [the] event said parties agree to arbitrate and the owner
of said animals fails to immediately pay the amount adjudged to be due by said
arbitrators, if said animals have not already been delivered to the justice of the peace
[magistrate] the same shall be immediately delivered to said justice of the peace
[magistrate] to be by him sold, and said justice of the peace [magistrate] shall
immediately proceed to sell as hereinafter provided.
77-14-18. [Notice of sale.]
In the event that it becomes the duty of said justice of the peace [magistrate] to sell
any of said animals under the terms of this chapter [77-14-8 to 77-14-24 NMSA 1978], he
shall give notice of said sale by posting notice thereof in six public places within said
political subdivision, and also to [sic] give notice to the owner of said property by
mailing a copy of said posted notice to said owner at his last and ordinary place of
address. Said notice shall state the purpose of said sale, describe the number and kind of
animals, give their brands and marks, if any, the amount of costs, fees and damages for
which said animals are to be sold and shall state the hour and day of sale, which time
shall not be less than five nor more than twenty days from the time of posting said
notice.
In case the damages are awarded by judgment in court in an action brought for that purpose, said animals shall be sold under execution, as in other cases.
77-14-19. [Sale of animals; entries on docket; owner to be summoned.]
Should the party claiming damages deliver said animals to the said justice of the peace
[magistrate] to be held and impounded for damages, it shall be the duty of said justice of
the peace [magistrate] to note on his docket at the time of delivery the number and kind
of such animals, the marks and brands thereon, the time of delivery thereof and the name
of the owner, if known, and of the person delivering the same and the amount of his claim
for damages. The justice of the peace [magistrate] shall then summon the owner of said
animals, if known, or his whereabouts can be ascertained, to appear forthwith before him
and show cause, if any, why said animals should not be sold to pay said claim for damages
and costs of court.
77-14-20. Fees; appointment of poundkeeper.
A. The magistrate shall receive as fees for entering orders and issuing papers and
performing other duties relating to Sections 77-14-8 through 77-14-24 NMSA 1978 the same
as are provided by law in civil cases for similar services, and all persons serving papers
pursuant to those sections shall be allowed the same fees as are allowed in civil cases
for similar
services. Arbitrators selected under the terms of those sections shall be allowed a
reasonable fee for their services.
B. The magistrate shall set a reasonable charge per day for caring for the livestock. He
shall feed and care for them while held by him. The magistrate may appoint some other
person to act as poundkeeper. The poundkeeper shall hold
the livestock subject to the orders of the magistrate and shall receive the same fees and
costs as are provided in this section for the magistrate in caring for and feeding the
livestock.
77-14-21. [Owners of animals unknown; appraisers; report.]
If the owner of said animals is unknown and cannot be ascertained by reasonable
invetsigation [investigation], and a claim for damages is made, the justice of the peace
[magistrate] shall appoint three disinterested appraisers to appraise the amount of
damages, who shall take the oath of office and perform the duties and proceed as
prescribed for arbitrators in this act [77-14-8 to 77-14-24 NMSA 1978], and when said
appraisers have assessed the amount of damages the claimant for damages shall be bound
thereby.
77-14-22. Sale of livestock; surplus funds; costs and expenses.
The magistrate, after paying all costs, fees and claims from the proceeds of a sale that
is made under his direction as provided in Sections 77-14-8 through 77-14-24 NMSA 1978,
shall pay the remainder to the owner of the livestock. If the owner is unknown, the
magistrate shall deposit the proceeds of the sale, after paying all costs and claims, with
the board, which shall handle the proceeds in accordance with the provisions of Chapter
77, Article 13 NMSA 1978. Provided, however, that in case the sale is made under
execution, as provided in Section 77-14-18 NMSA 1978, the magistrate shall file with the
officer making the sale a certified statement of all costs and expenses that may have
accrued, which shall be paid by the officer selling the livestock under execution as other
costs are paid.
77-14-23. [Rescinding order to permit impounding of animals; petition.]
At any time after said order made by the board of county commissioners has been in effect
for a period of two years it shall be the duty of the county commissioners to rescind the
same upon petition of a majority of the landowners of said subdivision who are qualified
voters therein, asking that said order be rescinded, and notice of said order shall be
given as provided for the original order made by the board of county commissioners.
77-14-24. [Application of act.]
This chapter [77-14-8 to 77-14-24 NMSA 1978] shall not apply to any incorporated city or
town within said subdivision.
77-14-35. Livestock not to run at large in municipalities; trespass; damages;
penalty.
Livestock shall not be permitted to run at large within the limits of any city, town or
village, incorporated or unincorporated, or to trespass upon the cultivated fields and
gardens of any person. The owner of any livestock allowing the livestock to run at large
within the limits of any city, town or village, incorporated or unincorporated, or to
trespass upon the property of
another is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be sentenced in accordance with the
provisions of Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978 and may be liable for treble the damage occasioned
by such trespass. No owners of any property trespassed upon as mentioned in this section
shall be liable for the injury, death or loss of any livestock resulting during expulsion
from or impounding upon his property of the livestock actually trespassing.
77-14-36. Impoundment of trespass livestock
A. Any livestock found to be in trespass upon the lands of another or running at large
upon any public highway which is fenced on both sides or running at large within the
limits of any municipality, town, village or military reservation or enclave whether
incorporated or not, is subject to impoundment by an agent of the New Mexico livestock
board. The place of impoundment shall be at the nearest or most convenient location from
where the trespass occurred.
B. Any livestock impounded under the provisions of this section will be released to the owner or his representative upon the payment by the owner of a fee set by regulation of the New Mexico livestock board not to exceed amounts prescribed by law for impounding if any incurred.
C. The New Mexico livestock board shall designate the person and place of impoundment and allow a reasonable fee to be charged by the custodian of the impounded livestock; provided that in case of a controversy as to what constitutes a reasonable charge, the board shall set the amount of the charge.
D. This section shall not be construed to affect the obligation of a property owner of meeting the requirements of Section 77-16-1 NMSA 1978 for fencing against such trespasses.
E. Any cost charged against trespass livestock will be a lien on the livestock. If the owner does not pay the charges and reclaim possession of the livestock within five days after receipt of notification by the owner, the livestock shall be considered unclaimed estrays and may be sold in accordance with the provisions of Section 77-13-5 NMSA 1978.
77-16-1. [Necessity for fence.]
Every gardener, farmer, planter or other person having lands or crops that would be injured by trespassing animals, shall make a sufficient fence about his land in cultivation, or other lands that may be so injured, the same to correspond with the requirements of the laws of this state prescribing and defining a legal fence.
77-16-2. Definition
As used in Article 16 of Chapter 77 [NMSA 1978], "livestock" shall include
domestic animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, goats and buffaloes.
77-16-3. [Damages on fenced lands; right of action; lien on animals.]
When any trespassing shall have been done by any cattle, horses, sheep, goats, hogs or
other livestock upon the cultivated or enclosed ground of any other person, when the same
is fenced as provided by Section 77-16-1 NMSA 1978, but not otherwise, such person may
recover any damage that he may sustain by reason thereof by suit in any court having
jurisdiction and a person so damaged is hereby given a lien on all livestock of the same
kind and brand, belonging to the owner of such trespassing animal or animals for security
of his damages and costs; but in no case shall he have such lien nor shall he be entitled
to recover any damages, under any circumstances, for such trespass, unless he has such
lands and crops enclosed by a legal fence as provided by the preceding section [77-16-1
NMSA 1978].
77-16-4. [Barbed wire fence; specifications.]
When fences are constructed of barbed wire and posts they shall be built substantially as
follows: posts set firmly in the ground aand [and] projecting above the ground not less
than four feet, said posts to be not less than two inches in diameter at the smaller end,
and to be set not over thirty- three feet apart; four barbed wires to be strung firmly and
securely fastened to said posts, the bottom wire to be placed approximately twelve inches
from the ground, the second wire to be approximately twelve inches above the bottom wire,
the third wire to be approximately twelve inches above the second wire and the fourth wire
to be approximately twelve inches above the third wire; and between each two posts there
shall be placed approximately equidistant apart three stays to be securely fastened to
said wires for the purpose of holding the wires in position. Any four-wire fence greater
or equivalent to said fence in strength and resisting power shall be considered a legal
fence.
77-16-5. [Applicability of act.]
This act [77-16-4, 77-16-5 NMSA 1978] shall not apply to territory within an incorporated
city, town or village nor shall it be construed to repeal, amend or in anywise affect the
provisions of Chapter 88 of the Session Laws of 1919, as amended by Chapter 70 of the
Session Laws of 1921 [77-14-8 to 77-14-24 NMSA 1978].
77-16-6. [Board fence; specifications.]
When the fence is constructed of lumber and posts the boards shall be at least one inch
thick and six inches wide with posts as described in the preceding section [77-16-4 NMSA
1978] not over eight feet apart and firmly set in the ground as described in said section.
The boards [are] to be firmly nailed to the posts. The space between the boards [is] not
to be more than six inches.
77-16-7. [Pole and post fence; specifications.]
When the fence is constructed of poles and posts the posts shall not be more than twelve
feet apart and of the same size and set in the ground as described in Section 77- 16-4
NMSA 1978. The poles [are] to be at least two inches in diameter at the smaller end and
[are] to be at least four in number firmly fastened to the posts with nails or wire, the
top pole at least four feet from the ground and the bottom pole not more than one foot
from the ground and the poles [are] not to be more than one foot apart.
77-16-8. [Stone, adobe or woven wire fence; specifications.]
When the fence is constructed of stone, adobe, woven wire or any other material it shall
be at least four feet in height and equal in strength to the fence described in Section
77-16-4 NMSA 1978.
77-16-9. [Legal protection of fences against damage or destruction.]
All fences shall be considered as under the care and protection of the law, for damages
done, or destruction committed thereon.
77-16-10. Injuring fence
Any person who is found guilty of wilfully cutting or otherwise destroying a fence or any
part thereof is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
77-16-11. [Injuries by animals; liability; minors.]
When any animal, of whatsoever class or species it may be, [shall] break, obstruct or
injure any rail, post, stake or any material of which a fence is constructed, the owner of
such animal shall be compelled to pay the damages occasioned to the owner of the fence,
according to the damages sustained and suffered: provided, that if any animal be taken
near any fence, and it shall result in his injuring it, then the person who ordered the
animal to be placed there shall pay the damage, and if the herder who has the care of the
animal, shall take them there without order from the owner of them, in such case, the
father, mother or guardian of him who drove the animals there, if the herder be a minor,
shall pay the damages, and if he be of age, he himself shall pay it when he does it
without the express order of the owner.
77-16-12. [Damages for injuries.]
The person who shall violate the provisions of Section 77-16-11 NMSA 1978 shall be obliged
at the time of his punishment, to indemnify the owner of any fence, for the damage that
has followed therefrom, for the repairing of his fence, valued according to the gravity of
the offense.
77-16-13. [Opening private fence to use road prohibited.]
That it shall be illegal for any person or persons in the state of New Mexico, to open any
fence or fences of any private individual or individuals, for the purpose of using the
road, or roads, passing through the private property of any person or persons.
77-16-14. [Failure to close gate; liability for damages.]
That any person, or persons, who open the gate of any fence, or fences, of any person or
persons, the same being private property, for the purpose of passing as aforesaid, [and]
shall neglect to close the gate of any fence or fences after having opened the same, shall
be subject to and responsible for the damage to the land, crop or grass of the owner, or
owners, of such land, through such neglect; and such damage shall be appraised as provided
by law.
77-16-15. [Penalty for leaving gate open.]
That in addition to the damage as provided for in the preceding section [77-16-14 NMSA
1978], such person, or persons, violating the provisions thereof, shall be deemed guilty
of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof before any justice of the peace [magistrate],
shall be fined in a sum not less than five [($5.00)], nor more than ten dollars
[($10.00)].
77-16-16. [Railroads; fencing of lines; damages for injury to livestock.]
Every railroad in this state whose lines of road, or any part thereof, are open for use,
and every railroad company formed or to be formed, shall, within six months after the
lines of such railroad or any part thereof are open, erect and thereafter maintain fences
on the sides of their said railroad, or the part thereof so open for use, suitably and
amply sufficient to prevent cattle, horses, sheep, mules, burros and hogs from getting on
the said railroad, except at the crossings of public roads and highways, and within the
limits of towns, cities and villages, and shall also construct, where the same has not
already been done, and maintain, at all public road crossings, now existing or hereafter
established, cattle guards suitable and sufficient to prevent cattle, horses, sheep,
burros, mules and hogs from getting onto said railroad. If any railroad shall fail to
construct and maintain such fences and cattle guards as herein directed, such railroad
shall be liable to the owner for all damages resulting from injury or death caused to any
such livestock, including a reasonable attorney fees [attorney's fee] on order of the
court should legal proceedings be commenced by such owner; provided, further, that should
the cattle sanitary board [New Mexico livestock board] be unable to determine ownership of
livestock crippled or killed by the railroad within thirty (30) days of the date it first
receives notice of such injury or death, by report or otherwise, then the board may
institute legal proceedings in the name of such unknown owner in any court of competent
jurisdiction and recover damages as herein provided, and the proceeds disposed of as
provided for under the laws pertaining to estrays.
77-16-17. [Requirements of railroad fence.]
That for the purposes of the preceding two sections [77- 16-16 NMSA 1978] a sufficient and
suitable fence is defined and declared to be a fence at least four and one-half feet high,
constructed of posts and wire, the top wire to be four and one-half feet above the ground
and shall have at least four wires upon posts not exceeding twenty feet apart.
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.
Amended in 1997, 1999.
Reviewed and updated by AAHS in December 2001.
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