Rio Rancho, NM Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Section 90.02 defines "potentially dangerous," "dangerous," and "vicious" dogs entirely by documented behavior toward people, pets, or livestock -- no breed is named anywhere in the chapter. Under Section 90.17, RRARC can declare a dog dangerous or potentially dangerous, triggering annual registration: current city license and rabies shot, secure enclosure, microchip, spay/neuter, a $300,000 liability policy, warning signage, and a four-foot leash or muzzle whenever the dog leaves the property. A dog meeting the "vicious" definition -- an unprovoked attack causing serious injury or death -- cannot be kept, possessed, or harbored anywhere in the city at all.