CRIMINAL CODE DEFINITION OF "LIVESTOCK"

SB 381 defines "livestock" in New Mexico's criminal code to include farm animals like cattle, horses, sheep, poultry, and exotic species (e.g., ostriches), but explicitly excludes dogs and cats. It changes larceny penalties for stolen livestock, making it a third-degree felony regardless of value (with higher penalties for values over $2,500 or multiple animals), and treats each stolen animal as a separate offense. This directly affects ranchers, farmers, and livestock owners by increasing legal consequences for thefts of their animals. The bill also modifies related provisions for firearm theft but focuses the key changes on livestock-specific penalties.