1. A. Records shall be kept for each animal impounded, for each animal accepted as an owner-surrender, for each animal brought to the shelter by a member of the public as a stray, and for each animal that is otherwise acquired.

2. B. Records shall include:

   1. (1) Date of acquisition and manner of acquisition: animal control officer, public intake, owner surrender etc.
   2. (2) Description and identifying characteristics including: species, breed, color, age, weight, gender, and any background information.
   3. (3) Tag and/or microchip information.
   4. (4) Reason for impoundment or relinquishment.
   5. (5) Veterinary care.
   6. (6) Disposition of the animal.
   7. (7) Date of redemption of adoption, transfer of ownership or euthanasia.
   8. (8) Name, address and telephone number of receiving person or entity.
3. C. Statistics may include monthly intake and outcomes by type for each species.
4. D. Collars, tags or other potential identification may be kept on the animal or in the animal’s file during the impound time.
5. E. Each animal shall be identifiable by use of cage/run cards and/or identifying collars.
6. F. Photographs may be taken of each animal, maintained with the animal’s records and posted on its cage to minimize the possibility of a mistaken euthanasia.
7. G. Shelters shall maintain records for a minimum of two years from the date of an animal’s final disposition.

[16.24.7.16 NMAC - N, 5/25/2021]