Los Ranchos de Albuquerque's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is allowed in Los Ranchos, consistent with the village's agricultural character. The A-1 and A-2 agricultural/residential zones support agricultural uses including beekeeping. No village-specific beekeeping permit required. State apiary rules NMAC 21.27.2 apply.
Key details: Status: Allowed — agricultural zones support it. Village Permit: Not required for hobby beekeeping. State Rule: NMAC 21.27.2. Commercial: Register annually with NM DOA by Nov 1.
Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: fines. Unregistered apiary: state-level penalty.
The rules around beekeeping in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Dog Leash Laws
Animal control in Los Ranchos provided by Bernalillo County Animal Care Services (ACS). Dogs must be restrained under county ordinance Chapter 6. Unrestrained animals may be impounded. Contact Bernalillo County ACS at (505) 468-7387.
Key details: Provider: Bernalillo County Animal Care Services. County Ordinance: Chapter 6, §6-43 (restraint). Contact: (505) 468-7387. Impoundment: Unrestrained animals may be seized.
Off-leash: $25 to $200. At-large: impound fees + citation. Unlicensed: $25 to $100. Waste: $25 to $200.
Exotic Pets
Exotic pet regulations in Los Ranchos fall under Bernalillo County Animal Care Ordinance (Chapter 6) and state wildlife laws (NMSA §77-1A-1). Dangerous wild animals are restricted. Contact Bernalillo County ACS for specific guidance.
Key details: County Ordinance: Chapter 6 — Animals. State Law: NMSA §77-1A-1 (Wildlife Conservation). Dangerous Animals: Restricted by county ordinance. Contact: Bernalillo County ACS (505) 468-7387.
Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.
Chickens & Livestock
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque allows livestock including horses, chickens, and other animals on residential properties. The village preserves its agricultural and equestrian character within the Albuquerque metro area. Acequia irrigation supports pastoral land use.
Key details: Livestock: Permitted residential. Character: Rural agricultural. Acequias: Traditional irrigation. Horses: Common, equestrian trails.
Unauthorized livestock: removal order. Nuisance: $50 to $500. Roosters in prohibited areas: immediate removal.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Los Ranchos de Albuquerque gives residents more flexibility on chickens & livestock.
Breed Restrictions
Los Ranchos and Bernalillo County have no breed-specific legislation. New Mexico has no statewide breed ban preemption. Animal regulations focus on behavior (dangerous/aggressive animals) rather than specific breeds.
Key details: Breed Bans: None in village or county. State Preemption: No breed ban preemption in NM. Focus: Behavior-based enforcement. Dangerous Animals: County Chapter 6 applies.
Breed ban violations: impoundment and fines per city ordinance. Dangerous dog violations: escalating penalties.
The rules around breed restrictions in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 3 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
Keep in mind that Los Ranchos de Albuquerque can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.