Albuquerque, NM Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length limit
- 8 feet maximum
- Unattended animals
- secure fence, facility, or vehicle
- Verbal commands
- do not count as control
- Enforcement
- seizure and impoundment
- Penalty class
- petty misdemeanor, § 1-1-99
Summary
Albuquerque bans letting any animal run at large; accompanied dogs must be on a leash no longer than eight feet, held by someone able to control them.
Animals At Large. No Person shall cause or allow any Animal, other than Wild Animals not owned by any human, to be At Large whether or not it is accompanied by its Owner. ... Companion Animals accompanied by a Person must be restrained by a leash no longer than eight feet long held by a Person capable of controlling the Animal or contained by an invisible fence. Verbal commands do not constitute control of an Animal...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).
Full Breakdown
City code makes it unlawful to cause or allow an animal to be at large, whether or not the owner is present. An unattended companion animal must be behind a secure fence, in a secure facility or enclosure, secured in a pickup bed, or inside a properly ventilated vehicle. A dog accompanied by a person must be restrained on a leash no longer than eight feet and held by someone capable of controlling it, or contained by an invisible fence. Verbal commands do not count as control.
Violations & Fines
Animal Welfare violations under this article are a petty misdemeanor under ROA § 1-1-99; each day of violation is a separate offense, and an at-large animal can be seized and impounded, especially if the owner is unavailable or repeatedly lets it run loose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash if it obeys voice commands?
What happens if my dog gets loose and animal services picks it up?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
Compare Albuquerque to another location·View the New Mexico animal ordinances overview
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