Las Cruces, NM Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed Bans
- None
- Standard
- Behavior-based (Sec. 7-33)
- Dangerous Dog
- Caused serious injury or death
- Who Decides
- Municipal Court judge
Summary
Las Cruces has no breed ban. Dangerous-dog rules are behavior-based: a municipal judge may declare a dog dangerous or potentially dangerous after it injures or menaces a person or animal.
Dangerous dog. A dog that has caused a serious injury or death to a person or domestic animal.
Declawing. The surgical amputation of an animal's claws or part of an animal's phalanges, by means of an onychectomy, partial or complete phlangectomy, or partial or complete tendonectomy.
Devocalization (also termed debarking, devoicing, or bark softening). A surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia to respect varying amounts of an animal's vocal cords.
Domesticated animal. Animals that have been selectively bred and genetically adapted over generations to live alongside humans. They are genetically distinct from their wild ancestors or cousins. Animal domestication falls into three main groupings: domestication for companionship (i.e. dogs and cats), animals farmed for food (i.e. sheep, cows, pigs, turkeys, etc.), and working or draft animals (i.e. horses, donkeys, camels).
Ear cropping. Removal of part or all of the external flaps of an animal's ear. The procedure sometimes involves bracing and taping the remainder of the ears to train them to point upright.
Ear tipping. The removal of the distal one-quarter of a community cat's left ear, which is approximately one-quarter inch in an adult and proportionately smaller in a kitten. While the cat is under anesthesia, under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Emergency measures. Any action taken by an animal control officer in order to preserve the health and/or
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Land Development Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
New Mexico lets cities adopt breed-specific laws, but Las Cruces has not; no breed is banned or restricted by name. Instead, Section 7-33 uses conduct. A 'dangerous dog' is one that has caused serious injury or death to a person or domestic animal, while a 'potentially dangerous dog' has caused a lesser injury, chased or menaced aggressively, or acted aggressively while able to escape its enclosure. A Las Cruces Municipal Court judge makes the designation on sworn evidence, triggering confinement and control conditions.
Violations & Fines
A dog declared dangerous must meet strict confinement and control terms; failing them, or an unprovoked serious bite, can lead to impoundment, penalties, and court-ordered removal or euthanasia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls banned in Las Cruces?
What makes a dog legally dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Las Cruces
How Las Cruces compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Las Cruces to another location·View the New Mexico animal ordinances overview
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