Rio Rancho, NM Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 90.18(A) requires every dog to be confined to its owner's premises, and whenever it leaves that property it must be on a leash no longer than eight feet and under the owner's control -- longer leashes are allowed only during active long-recall training, and the rule doesn't apply inside a city dog park. Subsection (B) separately makes it unlawful, intentionally or not, to let any dog run at large anywhere in the city. Tethering a dog outdoors is permitted only under detailed conditions in subsections (C) and (D): plastic-coated cable, swivel harness, shade, water, and no metal chains.