Las Cruces, NM Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- At-Large Feeding
- Prohibited (Sec. 7-13)
- Exceptions
- Community cats; humane trapping
- Wild Game
- State Game & Fish jurisdiction
- Enforcement
- Animal control unit
Summary
Las Cruces prohibits feeding animals running at large, so leaving food out for stray or free-roaming animals is barred. Feeding wild game like deer or coyotes is governed by state wildlife law.
A person shall not feed an animal running at large, with the exception of community cats or to aid in humanely trapping the animal.
(i) The animal control unit may determine that a person is a negligent or irresponsible animal owner and may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to prohibit that person from owning animals for a two-year period if the following conditions occur:
(1) The person has been cited and charged with animal control ordinance violations more than two times within a 364-day period; or
(2) Has surrendered animals to the ASCMV more than two times within a 364-day period.
( Ord. No. 3091 , § I(Exh. A), 4-7-25)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Land Development Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Section 7-13 of the Animal Control Ordinance bars feeding any animal running at large, except community cats or food used to humanely trap an animal. That reaches loose dogs and free-roaming strays, which habituate and become a nuisance. Truly wild animals - a 'wild animal' is defined as any vertebrate under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish or USDA Wildlife Services - are managed under state wildlife rules, and intentionally feeding game or predators is discouraged because it draws coyotes and javelina into neighborhoods.
Violations & Fines
Feeding animals at large can draw a correction warning or citation under Section 7-45; repeated feeding that creates a nuisance may be abated under Chapter 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed stray animals in Las Cruces?
Can I feed deer or coyotes in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Las Cruces
Compare Las Cruces to another location·View the New Mexico animal ordinances overview
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