New Mexico § 77-1-20 - Sterilization agreement and sterilization deposit required
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 77-1-20 — Sterilization agreement and sterilization deposit required, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 77-1-20. Sterilization agreement and sterilization deposit required
A. No animal shall be released from an animal shelter to an adopting person unless
a sterilization agreement has been signed and a sterilization deposit has been paid,
as provided in Subsections C and D of this section. B. In addition to any adoption fee charged, a sterilization deposit of at least twenty-five
dollars ($25.00) shall be imposed on the adoption of each animal from an animal shelter. C. Animals less than six months of age shall be released only upon payment of the
adoption fee and a sterilization deposit and after the adopting person has signed
an agreement stating he will have the adopted animal sterilized when it is no older
than six months of age. D. Adult animals over the age of six months shall be released only upon payment of
the adoption fee and a sterilization deposit and after the adopting person has signed
an agreement stating he will have the animal sterilized within thirty days of the
date of adoption. E. The sterilization deposit shall be reimbursed only upon presentation of a receipt
from a veterinarian that the adopted animal has been sterilized. F. An unsterilized animal reclaimed by its owner shall be released without being sterilized
upon payment of the twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the sterilization deposit and
impoundment fees imposed by the shelter, and the owner shall sign an agreement stating
he will sterilize the animal within thirty days after release or will obtain a breeder
permit or its equivalent. The sterilization deposit shall be reimbursed upon presentation by the owner of
a receipt from a veterinarian that the animal has been sterilized.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 77-1-20
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 77-1-20 cover?
Section 77-1-20 ("Sterilization agreement and sterilization deposit required") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Mexico § 77-1-20?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 77-1-20" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Mexico law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.
How does New Mexico § 77-1-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.