NM SB102

Adds "search-and-rescue dog" as a new protected category alongside police dogs, police horses, and fire dogs under New Mexico's animal injury and harassment statute

Defines search-and-rescue dog as a dog owned or employed by fire departments, law enforcement agencies, corrections agencies, special fire districts, or the state fire marshal for locating persons

Increases penalty for causing minor physical injury or pain to these animals from a petty misdemeanor to a third degree felony (5 years imprisonment, up to $5,000 fine)

Increases penalty for causing serious physical injury, death, or destruction of these animals from a fourth degree felony to a second degree felony (15 years imprisonment, up to $10,000 fine)

Provides an affirmative defense if the animal was not handled according to recognized national handling procedures or the department's own policies