Las Cruces, NM Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

A person shall not possess, harbor, or keep any wildlife, wild or exotic animal of a species that in its natural life is potentially dangerous. Such animals, though they may be trained and domesticated, remain a danger to others, and include, but are not limited to:

(1) Wolves, coyotes, foxes, dingoes, and other members of the non-domestic canine families including canine hybrids;

(2) Lions, pumas, panthers, mountain lions, wild cats, and other members of the nondomestic feline families, including feline hybrids;

(3) All bears (Ursidae), including grizzly bears, black bears, brown bears, etc.;

(4) Raccoons (Procyonidae), including eastern raccoon, desert raccoons, ring tailed cat, coatimundi, etc.;

(5) Mustelids, other than the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo);

(6) Primates (Hominidae), including all non-human great apes other than qualified service animals;

(7) Skunks;

(8) Bats;

(9) Snakes belonging to the families Elapidae, Viperidae, and Colubridae (the twig snake, Thelotornis kirtlandii; boomslang, Dispholidus typus; and keelbacks, Rhabdophis);

(10) Lizards belonging to the family Helodermatidae (gila monsters, Heloderma suspectum, and bearded lizards, Heloderma horridum);

(11) Alligators, crocodiles, or caimans;

(12) Venomous fish and piranha; and

(13) Any species of amphibian, snake, or reptile that is listed as threatened or endangered by the federal or state government.

(c)