Bernalillo County, NM Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash length
- 6 feet (longer retractable OK if controlled)
- Confinement
- Secure fenced yard or pen; tethering banned
- At-large ban
- No animal loose on streets or others' property
- Exemptions
- Working, hunting, show dogs on duty; off-leash areas
- Max fine
- $300 plus up to 90 days jail
Summary
Dogs in unincorporated Bernalillo County must be on a leash of no more than six feet whenever off the owner's property, and letting any animal run loose is a separate violation.
A dog is permitted on the street and in other public places only if on a secure leash not exceeding six feet in length. Longer retractable leashes may be used, provided the person with the dog is capable of controlling the dog. All other animals must be secured in a fashion acceptable for the species of animal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 6-43 requires owners to keep companion animals on their own property inside a secure pen or fenced yard, and bans tethering as a confinement method. Off the property, a dog is allowed on streets and in other public places only on a secure leash not exceeding six feet, though a longer retractable leash is fine if the handler can actually control the dog. Working, hunting, and show dogs are exempt while performing those duties, and dogs in designated off-leash areas are exempt too. Separately, § 6-51 makes it unlawful to let any animal run at large on streets, sidewalks, vacant lots, or private property without the owner's permission, and animal care services can impound a loose animal. This applies only to unincorporated county land; Albuquerque enforces its own leash rules under its Integrated Development Ordinance and municipal animal code.
Violations & Fines
General Code fine up to $300 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment under § 1-6; a loose or improperly restrained dog can also be impounded by animal care services as a nuisance under § 6-51.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk my dog on a long retractable leash in Bernalillo County?
Does this leash law apply inside Albuquerque?
What happens if my dog gets loose in the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico animal ordinances overview
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