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

Rio Rancho's dog regulations are breed-neutral. Section 90.17 of the Municipal Code lets the City Manager or designee declare a dog 'potentially dangerous,' 'dangerous,' or 'vicious' based on the behavior definitions in Section 90.02, not on breed. A 'dangerous dog' is any dog that has caused a bite injury and has not been declared vicious; a 'vicious dog' is one that, without provocation, bites or attacks a person, domestic animal, or livestock and causes serious injury or death. It is unlawful to keep, possess, or harbor a vicious dog within the city. Owners of potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs must annually obtain a certificate of registration from the Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center (RRARC) and meet handling requirements that include keeping the dog under control, a current city license and rabies vaccination, a proper enclosure, spay/neuter, microchipping, and liability insurance. A dog is not declared dangerous if it was a working law-enforcement dog, was provoked or responding to a trespasser or crime, or was defending itself, its offspring, or a person. No Rio Rancho ordinance imposes a pit bull or other breed-specific ban; New Mexico cities generally regulate dangerous dogs by conduct under their own codes and state law.