Tijeras's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Tijeras, 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.

Breed Restrictions

Tijeras Ordinance No. 32, §VI(I) (1984) — BANS ownership or possession of American Pit Bull Terriers within village limits. Any pit bull may be impounded and destroyed after court determination. Upheld as constitutional in Garcia v. Village of Tijeras (1988).

Key details: Breed Ban: American Pit Bull Terrier BANNED. Ordinance: No. 32, §VI(I) (1984). Court Ruling: Garcia v. Village of Tijeras (1988). Penalty: Impoundment and destruction. Status: Upheld as constitutional.

Pit bulls may be impounded and destroyed after court determination. Owner in violation of the ordinance.

This is one of the stricter rules in Tijeras's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is allowed in Tijeras consistent with the rural residential character. No village-specific beekeeping ordinance. State apiary rules under NMAC 21.27.2 apply. Commercial apiaries must register annually with NM Department of Agriculture by November 1.

Key details: Status: Allowed — rural character supports it. Village Permit: Not required for hobby beekeeping. State Rule: NMAC 21.27.2. Commercial: Register with NM DOA by Nov 1.

Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: fines. Unregistered apiary: state-level penalty.

Tijeras is more permissive than most cities when it comes to beekeeping. That said, there are still limits.

Dog Leash Laws

Tijeras Animal Ordinance (Ord. No. 32, 1984) — unlawful to allow any animal to run at large on streets, alleys, sidewalks, vacant lots, or public property. Leash defined as chain, strap, or cord of sufficient substance to control the animal. County ACS provides services.

Key details: Ordinance: Ord. No. 32 (1984). At-Large: Prohibited on all public areas. Leash: Chain, strap, or cord — sufficient to control. County ACS: (505) 468-7387.

Off-leash: $25 to $200. At-large: impound fees + citation. Unlicensed: $25 to $100. Waste: $25 to $200.

This is one of the stricter rules in Tijeras's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Exotic Pets

Exotic pet regulations in Tijeras fall under Bernalillo County Animal Care Ordinance and state wildlife laws (NMSA §77-1A-1). The village animal ordinance addresses animal cruelty and dangerous animals. Contact Bernalillo County ACS for guidance.

Key details: County Ordinance: Bernalillo County Ch. 6 applies. State Law: NMSA §77-1A-1 (Wildlife Conservation). Village Ordinance: Ord. 32 — dangerous animals. Contact: 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

Tijeras allows chickens and small livestock on residential properties consistent with the mountain village character. The rural setting in the Sandia Mountains accommodates hobby farming and animal keeping on larger lots.

Key details: Livestock: Permitted residential. Character: Rural mountain village. Lot Sizes: Generally larger. Restrictions: Minimal.

Unauthorized livestock: removal order. Nuisance: $50 to $500. Roosters in prohibited areas: immediate removal.

Tijeras is more permissive than most cities when it comes to chickens & livestock. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Tijeras's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Tijeras is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Tijeras's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.