What is the Animal Sheltering Services Act?
The ASSA is enabling legislation, based in part on Colorado’s successful Pet Animal Care and Facility Act, that will: a. assist New Mexico animal shelters by providing board-recommended standards for the operations and infrastructure of city- or county-operated or -contracted facilities, based on public comments obtained in a rule-making process; b. establish licensed Euthanasia Providers who, when sufficiently trained and qualified, shall be licensed at a nominal fee to handle controlled substances for the limited purpose of humanely euthanizing unwanted animals in euthanasia agencies licensed by this Board; c. though designed to be supportive and not punitive in nature, the Act will allow the Board to revoke licenses/certificates of and levy fines against those not in compliance with the Act; d. develop a statewide spay/neuter plan to address the pet overpopulation crisis, ultimately reducing costs, liability and animal suffering.
