Virtual public hearing regarding commercial feed rule amendment scheduled for July 29

June 25, 2020

 

Virtual public hearing regarding commercial feed

rule amendment scheduled for July 29

Amendment addresses new “Spay and Neuter Program Fee” section of rule

 

LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) has scheduled a virtual hearing Wednesday, July 29 to receive public input on an amendment to the 21.18.3 NMAC, Commercial Feeds rule. This amendment adds new definitions and a new section titled “Spay and Neuter Program Fee.”

 

During the 2020 legislative session, Senate Bill 57 “Pet Food Fee for Neutering & Sheltering” was signed into law. This amended the New Mexico Commercial Feed Act (Section 76-19A NMSA 1978) to add a new section titled “Spay and Neuter Program Fee.” The legislation mandates that NMDA shall impose an additional fee on pet food registration for dogs and cats to fund the dog and cat spay and neuter assistance program and the animal sheltering act.

 

The public video/telephonic hearing is Wednesday, July 29 at 9 a.m.

 

To join the hearing via video, go to the meeting URL: https://nmsu.zoom.us/j/97456254575  and enter the meeting ID: 974 5625 4575.

 

To join the hearing via phone, dial 1-346-248-7799 or 1-669-900-6833 and enter the meeting ID: 974 5625 4575.

 

Copies of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and proposed rule amendments are available on the NMDA website.

 

Oral comments will be accepted at the video/telephonic hearing from members of the public and any interested parties. Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 29. Comments may be submitted via email to comments@nmda.nmsu.edu or may be filed by sending original copies to:

 

New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Office of Director

MSC 3189, PO Box 30005

3190 S. Espina

Las Cruces, NM 88003-8005

 

Only signed statements, proposals or comments will be accepted. Scanned or electronic signatures conforming to federal and state court requirements will be accepted with the understanding that if there is any dispute regarding a signature, NMDA reserves the right to require that original signatures be provided to verify the electronic or facsimile signature. The NMDA Director will consider all oral comments and will review all timely submitted written comments and responses.

 

Individuals with a disability who need a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to participate in the hearing should contact NMDA at 575-646-3702 at least one week prior to the hearing or as soon as possible.

 

Legal authority authorizing the rule amendment is granted to the board of regents of New Mexico State University under the New Mexico Commercial Feed Act, Chapter 76, Article 19A Sections 1 - 17, NMSA 1978 Compilation.