Summary:

 House Bill 111 (HB 111) requires first responders in emergency situations who are made aware of a missing qualified service animal to make a reasonable effort to search for the qualified service animal.

 

Legislation Overview:

 House Bill 111 (HB 111) amends the Service Animal Act by requiring first responders in emergency situations who are made aware of a missing qualified service animal to make a reasonable effort to search for the qualified service animal to the extent practicable while giving priority to human safety (Section 28-11-3 NMSA 1978).  It adds a definition for first responder in Section 28-11-2 NMSA 1978 that includes law enforcement officers, firefighters or volunteer firefighters, and emergency medical service providers.


 

Current Law:

 The duty to rescue or to attempt a rescue of a qualified service animal in an emergency situation does not exist in state law.