Otero County, NM Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Section 105-9A(1)-(2) requires that sale, purchase, trade and possession of exotic or wild animals comply with federal and state law, and bars anyone from owning, harboring or keeping a species in violation of federal or New Mexico law. Section 105-9A(3) requires Otero County residents to follow regulation 19.35.7 NMAC and obtain a permit from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to possess an exotic or wild animal, and to furnish a copy of the application and permit to the Otero County Sheriff's Office on request; § 105-9A(4) exempts municipal zoos and aquariums, veterinary facilities, and holders of a State of New Mexico wildlife rehabilitation or educational-use permit.

EXOTIC ANIMAL is defined in § 105-6 as a nonnative animal not commonly kept as a domestic animal, including but not limited to tigers, lions, cheetahs, leopards, snakes, alligators and crocodiles, while WILD ANIMAL means any animal under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Section 105-9B requires an exotic animal in transport to be confined in a closed, locked vehicle or trailer to prevent escape and to keep children from reaching it through an open window. Section 105-9C requires an owner to notify authorities immediately upon discovering the escape of an exotic animal that threatens people, pets or the environment, and depending on the circumstances and threat, the county may return the animal to its owner, hold it until the facility passes inspection, or confiscate or kill it.