In New Mexico, the legality of leaving your pet chained or tethered outside depends largely on local ordinances, as there is currently no comprehensive statewide law banning all forms of tethering. However, many cities and counties have enacted their own regulations to protect animal welfare.
Statewide and Local Laws
- No Statewide Ban: New Mexico does not have a blanket prohibition against tethering or chaining pets outside, but municipalities have the authority to regulate or prohibit these practices.
- Municipal Ordinances: Many cities have adopted stricter rules. For example:
- Albuquerque: The HEART Ordinance prohibits chaining animals for longer than one hour in any 24-hour period. Violations can result in fines up to $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail.
- Roswell: The city’s revised animal ordinance prohibits tethering dogs (and also applies to cats) except in specific situations, such as during lawful animal events, veterinary treatment, grooming, training, law enforcement activity, gatherings in parks, or when the owner is present and the dog is in visual range. Tethering is also allowed if a veterinarian provides a written opinion that it is humane.
- Santa Fe: Fixed-point tethering of domestic animals to stationary objects is permitted only in limited circumstances, such as picnics or gatherings in a park or open space, for emergency purposes, and only when the owner is immediately present.
- Pending Legislation: As of 2023, there have been efforts at the state level to ban tethering dogs “for longer than is necessary for the person to complete a temporary task,” but this has not yet become law.
Key Considerations
- Cruelty Laws: Even without specific tethering bans, cruelty to animals is prohibited statewide. This means that tethering in a manner that endangers the animal’s health or safety could be prosecuted under animal cruelty statutes.
- Municipal Enforcement: Always check your local city or county ordinances, as these are often more restrictive than state law.
Table
Location | Tethering/Chaining Rules | Penalty/Notes |
---|---|---|
Statewide | No general ban; cruelty laws apply | Animal cruelty charges possible |
Albuquerque | No chaining longer than 1 hour in 24 hours | Up to $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail |
Roswell | Tethering prohibited except in specific situations | See ordinance for exceptions |
Santa Fe | Tethering only allowed in limited circumstances with owner present | See ordinance for specifics |
It is not universally illegal in New Mexico to leave your pet chained outside, but many cities have strict regulations or outright bans. Always check local ordinances to ensure compliance and avoid animal cruelty charges. Your interest in legal regulations regarding pets is reflected here.
Sources
[1] https://www.roswell-nm.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1296
[2] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[3] https://www.cabq.gov/pets/animal-protection-services/heart-ordinance-information
[4] https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-new-mexico
[5] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/santa-fe-new-mexico/