Doña Ana County, NM Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 134-16.A, B, H
- Aviary/raptor permit
- Requires federal + State Game and Fish license
- Pigeon species allowed
- Racing, sporting and fancy pigeons only
- Common pigeons
- Prohibited countywide
- Loft space minimum
- 1.5 sq ft per mature bird
- Inspection window
- 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Summary
Doña Ana County requires a special animal permit before anyone can keep an outdoor rehabilitation aviary, a bird of prey, or a pigeon loft, and will not issue the aviary or raptor permit without proof of a federal and State Game and Fish license, per § 134-16.
A. Outdoor rehabilitation aviary. A special permit is required by any person to keep or maintain an outdoor rehabilitation aviary. The County Codes Enforcement Department will not issue this special permit without proof of a license issued by the federal government and the State Department of Game and Fish. B. Birds of prey. A special permit is required by any person to keep or maintain a bird of prey. The County Codes Enforcement Department will not issue this special permit without proof of a license issued by the federal government and the State Department of Game and Fish.
Full Breakdown
§ 134-16 is the county's special-permit chapter for higher-risk or regulated animals, and birds get two dedicated categories. Subsection A requires a special permit for anyone keeping or maintaining an outdoor rehabilitation aviary, and the County Codes Enforcement Department will not issue it without proof of a federal license and a license from the State Department of Game and Fish. Subsection B applies the identical rule to birds of prey. m. 5 square feet of floor space per mature bird, stay sanitary, store feed against rodents, and confine birds except for limited exercise, training or competition flights; pigeons cannot be fed outside the loft or released within four hours of their last feeding.
Subsection G lets the Zoning Administrator or Animal Control Officer revoke any bird permit for unsanitary conditions, unsafe structures, or keeping species beyond what the permit allows.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an aviary, bird of prey or pigeon loft without the § 134-16 special permit, or violating a permit condition such as the inspection window or loft sanitation standard, is enforced under § 1-20: up to a $300 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with continuing violations charged day by day. The Zoning Administrator or Animal Control Officer can also revoke the permit outright for unsafe or unsanitary conditions under § 134-16.G.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a bird of prey in Doña Ana County?
Are common pigeons legal to keep in Doña Ana County?
Does a wildlife rehabilitator need a county permit for an outdoor aviary?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Doña Ana County
Compare Doña Ana County to another location·View the New Mexico animal ordinances overview
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