Albuquerque limits the number of companion animals per household and treats hoarding as a public-health and animal-welfare violation under Chapter 9, Article 2 of the city code.
Albuquerque's Humane and Ethical Animal Rules and Treatment (HEART) ordinance, codified at Chapter 9 Article 2, restricts each household to a maximum number of companion animals (typically six dogs and cats combined) without a kennel or multiple-pet permit issued by Animal Welfare. Hoarding situations triggering health, sanitation, or cruelty concerns are referred to Bernalillo County Animal Welfare and the city Environmental Health Department. Officers may impound animals when conditions endanger their welfare, and a court may order forfeiture, restitution for veterinary costs, and a ban on future animal ownership.
Penalties include impoundment, daily civil fines, mandatory veterinary cost reimbursement, court-ordered forfeiture, and possible misdemeanor cruelty charges under city code Section 9-2-4.
Albuquerque, NM
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