ANIMAL SHELTER STANDARDS FOR NEW MEXICO

1. "ANIMAL SHELTER" - a private or publicly owned or operated facility where stray or unwanted animals are held.

2. No person shall operate an animal shelter in the absence of any applicable permit or license required by a city, county or state regulation office.

B. STRUCTURAL PLAN EVALUATION

1. Submission of Plans: Detailed plans and specifications of all structures, fences, walls, and property limits shall be submitted to the state or local regulation office whenever it is proposed to erect, operate, or extensively remodel any kennel. Each kennel operator or person intending to become a kennel operator shall be responsible for submitting all plans and specifications.

2. Contents of plans and specifications: Final plans and specifications shall show compliance with these regulations and shall include schedules describing the ventilation system, plumbing equipment, and finishes of floors, walls and ceilings. A plan review form may be obtained from the regulation department.

C. STRUCTURAL STANDARDS

All structures and fencing shall:

1. Be constructed of building materials that will ensure the establishment of a sound physical structure.

2. Be maintained in good repair.

3. Protect animals kept there from injury, ensure containment of animals within the shelter, and exclude the entry of outside animals and unauthorized personnel.

D. FACILITY STANDARDS.

1. Animal housing areas shall be physically separated from places where food and drink for human consumption are prepared, served or stored, and from living and sleeping quarters of personnel.

2. The interior building surfaces shall be constructed and maintained so that they are impervious to moisture and may be readily cleaned.

3. Animal food storage and equipment cleaning areas shall be physically separated from animal housing.

4. Reliable and adequate electric power shall be provided.

5. Reliable and adequate potable water shall be provided. Back flow preventers shall be installed on any threaded faucets.

6. Readily accessible washrooms or sinks shall be provided to maintain personal hygiene among animal caretakers. A two-compartment sink in good repair shall be provided for washing and sanitizing equipment used for animal care and feeding.

7. Indoor housing for animals shall be sufficiently heated when necessary to protect animals from cold, and to provide for their health and comfort. The ambient temperature shall be consistent with the requirements of the specific species.

8. Indoor housing for animals shall be adequately ventilated with fresh air to minimize odors and moisture and to provide for the health and comfort of the animals at all times. Kennels shall have fresh air ventilation providing ten or more air changes per hour in animal housing areas or may recycle air through a filter system approved by the regulation authority.

9. Artificial lighting shall be provided for a minimum of 8 hours per day for animals housed exclusively indoors.

10. A suitable method shall be provided to rapidly eliminate excess water from animal housing facilities. If drains are used, they shall be properly constructed and kept in good repair. If closed drainage systems are used, wastewater shall be disposed of by connection to a sanitary sewer or any approved sewage disposal system.

E. ANIMAL ENCLOSURE STANDARDS

1. Primary enclosures defined: Primary enclosures are those animal enclosures in which the animal normally rests or sleeps

2. Primary enclosures shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury. They shall be constructed and maintained to enable the animals to remain dry and clean and to provide convenient access to clean food and water

3. The floors of the primary enclosures shall be constructed to prevent injury to the animals, and to ensure adequate drainage and prevent pooling of fluids within the primary enclosure.

4. Space Requirements: Primary enclosures shall be constructed to provide sufficient space to allow each animal to exercise normal postural movements. Primary enclosures shall house no more than eight (8) animals per enclosure, and shall

provide enough space for each animal to exercise normal postural movements without making physical contact with other animals.

5. Additional Requirements for Housing Cats: A receptacle containing sufficient clean litter shall be provided to contain excreta.

6. A structurally sound, weatherproof enclosure and adequate shade shall be made accessible to every animal housed exclusively outdoors. Sufficient clean bedding material or other means of protection from the weather shall be provided when the ambient temperature falls below that to which the animal is acclimated.

F. SANITATION

l. Animal wastes shall be removed from primary enclosures daily or more often as necessary to prevent contamination of the animals contained therein and to reduce disease hazards and odors. Cages shall be cleaned as often as necessary to maintain sanitary conditions by washing all surfaces with a detergent solution followed by a safe and effective sanitizer. Animals must be removed from the enclosures during the cleaning process and precautions taken to avoid cross contamination.

2. Water and food containers and all other utensils shall be cleaned and sanitized using generally accepted methods such as the use of heat or chemical sanitizing solution. These containers shall be cleaned and sanitized as often as necessary to maintain sanitary conditions.

3. Animal and food wastes, soiled bedding, dead animals, debris and other organic wastes shall be stored in closed containers and disposed of so that vermin infestation, odors, disease hazards and nuisances are minimized. Such waste shall be removed at least weekly from the facility.

4. Pens and runs using sand or gravel shall have such materials replaced as often as necessary to maintain sanitary conditions.

5. Building and grounds shall be kept clean, in good repair, and free from trash.

6. An effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites and avian and mammalian pests shall be maintained.

7. Unopened supplies of food and bedding shall be stored off the floor and be adequately protected against infestation or contamination by vermin. Opened supplies of food and bedding shall be stored in closed waterproof containers.

8. Animals that die at the facility shall be stored and disposed of in a way that will not cause a disease hazard or nuisance.

9. Artificial lighting shall be provided for a minimum of 8 hours per day for animals housed exclusively indoors.

G. CARE AND HANDLING

1. FOOD AND WATER

a. Animals shall be fed at least once a day and shall be provided potable water at all times except when under special veterinary care. The food and water shall be free from contamination, palatable, and of sufficient quality and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the condition and size of the animal. Refrigeration shall be provided for perishable food.

b. Food and water containers shall be accessible to the animal and located to minimize contamination by excreta or other material. These containers shall be cleaned daily.

c. Disposable food containers may be used if discarded after use. Self feeders and waterers may be used if cleaned regularly.

2. CLASSIFICATION AND SEPARATION

a. Animals housed in the same enclosure shall be maintained in compatible groups, with the following additional restrictions: Females in season (estrus) shall not be housed in the same primary enclosure with males. Any dog or cat exhibiting a vicious disposition shall be housed individually in an enclosure.

b. Animals under four months of age shall not be housed in the same primary enclosure with adult animals other than their dams.

c. Dogs shall not be housed in the same enclosure with cats, nor shall dogs or cats be housed in the same primary enclosure with any other species of animals.

d. Animals under quarantine or treatment for a communicable disease shall be physically separated from other susceptible animals to minimize dissemination of disease. Such quarantine area should have a separate ventilation system.

e. All animals housed at the shelter will be confined to a primary enclosure at all times unless under the direct supervision of shelter personnel.

H. RECORDS

1. Records of the sale, adoption or owner reclaim of animals shall be completed in duplicate, the original to be issued to the purchaser and the duplicate retained by the shelter operator for two (2) years from the date of the transaction, and shall be available to any inspector authorized by the department issuing the shelter permit. Such records shall include the date of transaction, species or breed and the name, address and phone number of the purchaser or adopter. The record shall show that animal animal housing areas or may recycle air through a filter system approved by the regulation authority.

I. DISEASE CONTROL

1. Animals shall be observed daily for signs of disease. An animal suspected of having an infectious disease shall be physically separated from other susceptible animals until the condition is determined to be non-infectious.

2. Sick or injured animals shall, in a timely manner, be provided with veterinary care or shall be euthanized humanely according to the American Veterinary Medical Association's Guidelines for Humane Euthanasia.

3. Animals with obvious signs of serious disease or injury, or vicious nature shall not be sold, traded, given away, abandoned, or disposed of in an inhumane manner.

4. The department may issue quarantine orders to a shelter in accordance with state law.

The New Mexico Federation of Animal Care, Control and Humane Agencies

MISSION STATEMENT

To assist and support animal care and protection agencies in strengthening their agency and programs and to support the establishment of such agencies where they do not exist.

To develop, sponsor and promote educational programs to increase public awareness about animal issues, and to encourage respect, appreciation and responsibility towards animals.

To engage in activities which promote kindness, consideration and prevention of cruelty to animals.

To support legislation and enforcement of animal protection laws.

Membership in the New Mexico Federation of Animal Care, Control and Humane Agencies, a New Mexico Nonprofit Corporation, is open to municipal animal care and control agencies and 501(c)(3) non-profit animal care/welfare agencies in the State of New Mexico.

Requests for information can be sent to:

The NM Federation of Animal Care, Control and Humane Agencies

c/o AHA of NM

615 Virginia St. SE

Albuquerque, NM 87108