NM HB315

Amends the Livestock Code to exclude free-roaming horses from the definition of "animals" or "livestock," defining them as unclaimed horses at large without evidence of private ownership, excluding those under federal jurisdiction

Creates a registration system for "free-roaming horse experts" through the New Mexico Livestock Board, requiring demonstrated expertise in herd surveys, land carrying capacity analysis, and horse behavior/management, with fees up to $500 initial and $250 annual

Authorizes state, county, or municipal governments to contract with registered experts for herd management when horses exceed land carrying capacity, allowing fertility control via immunocontraception or castration, humane capture and relocation to rescue facilities, or relocation to suitable land with landowner permission

Prohibits slaughter, sale for slaughter, transport for slaughter, or release into the wild of free-roaming horses, with violations constituting a misdemeanor under Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978, with each horse constituting a separate offense

Requires captured horses relocated to rescue facilities to be microchipped or freeze branded for identification, and defines "humane capture" as excluding use of aircraft or motorized vehicles