A. Upon conviction, a defendant shall be liable for the reasonable cost of boarding the animal and all necessary veterinary examinations and care provided to the animal. The amount of these costs shall be offset by the security posted pursuant to Section 30-18-1.2 NMSA 1978. Unexpended security funds shall be returned to the defendant.
B. In the absence of a conviction, the seizing agency shall bear the costs of boarding the animal and all necessary veterinary examinations and care of the animal during the pendency of the proceedings, return the animal, if not previously relinquished, and all of the security posted pursuant to Section 30-18-1.2 NMSA 1978.