Animal Ordinances in Rio Rancho, NM (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Rio Rancho, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Rio Rancho allows up to seven female and immature male chickens, but only on lots of at least one-half acre in the E-1 (Estate Residential) or R-1 (Single-Family) zone districts. Roosters and crowing males are banned, as are game/cock-fighting breeds. Coops must be in the rear yard and set back 15 feet from property lines.
Rio Rancho Backyard Chicken Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Rio Rancho requires every animal to be confined to the owner's premises. Off the property, an animal must be on a leash no more than eight feet long and under the owner's control. Running at large is prohibited. Dogs may be off-leash only inside a designated city dog park.
Rio Rancho Dog Leash and Confinement Rules
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Rio Rancho does not ban any dog breed. Instead, Chapter 90 regulates dogs by behavior, classifying them as 'potentially dangerous,' 'dangerous,' or 'vicious' based on conduct. Vicious dogs may not be kept in the city; dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs require registration, secure enclosure, spay/neuter, microchipping, and insurance.
Rio Rancho Dangerous Dog Rules (No Breed Ban)
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
Rio Rancho's animal code (Chapter 90) contains no beekeeping ordinance. Beekeeping in New Mexico is governed primarily by the state Bee Act (NMSA Chapter 76, Article 9), administered by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, which handles apiary registration, importation, and disease control. Keepers should also confirm city zoning and avoid creating a nuisance.
Rio Rancho Beekeeping (State Bee Act Controls)
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Rio Rancho requires a city permit to keep most wild or exotic animals, and bans keeping species that are dangerous or protected under state and federal law except in licensed facilities. Common cage birds (parakeets, finches, lovebirds, cockatiels) and legally allowed exotic fish are exempt from the permit requirement.
Rio Rancho Wild and Exotic Animal Permits
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Rio Rancho's animal code (Chapter 90) has no general ordinance against feeding wildlife. The main controlling law is the state: New Mexico Game and Fish rules prohibit baiting or feeding that creates a nuisance or depredation problem with game animals, and the city's nuisance and sanitation rules can apply if feeding attracts pests.
Rio Rancho Wildlife Feeding (State Law Controls)
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Except for chickens (and uses allowed under the zoning code), Rio Rancho prohibits keeping domestic livestock and domestic fowl in the city. Goats are an exception: full-size goats need at least one acre in the E-1 zone, pygmy/Nigerian dwarf goats are allowed in R-1 if dehorned and males neutered, and no more than three goats per lot.
Rio Rancho Livestock and Goat Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Rio Rancho's code does not use the word 'hoarding,' but Chapter 90's cruelty, care, and pet-limit rules let officers seize animals kept in unsafe or overcrowded conditions. New Mexico also makes companion animal hoarding a misdemeanor and criminalizes cruelty to animals (NMSA Section 30-18-1), giving officers warrant-based seizure authority.
Rio Rancho Animal Hoarding (Cruelty and State Law)
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Rio Rancho limits a household (or non-licensed business) to five dogs, cats, pygmy goats, or rabbits in any combination, counting animals over six months old. Other animals allowed under the code don't count toward this limit unless they create a nuisance. Breeding without a hobby breeder's permit is fined per litter.
Rio Rancho Pet Limit (5 Animals per Household)
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Rio Rancho requires cats over five months old to be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds an intact animal permit. Cats also need a city license, and they count toward the five-animal household limit. License fees are $4 for an altered cat and $25 for an unaltered cat.