Breed Restrictions: Albuquerque vs Tijeras
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tijeras, NM?
Albuquerque has fewer restrictions than Tijeras.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque has no breed-specific ban; the HEART Ordinance regulates dogs by individual behavior, defining 'Aggressive' through objective observation rather than breed. New Mexico's Dangerous Dog Act likewise defines dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs strictly by conduct, not breed.
View full Albuquerque rules →Tijeras, NM
Bernalillo County
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).
View full Tijeras rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Tijeras |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Ban | None | American Pit Bull Terrier BANNED |
| City Standard | Behavior-based ('Aggressive') | - |
| State Law | NM Dangerous Dog Act, Sec. 77-1A-1 et seq. | - |
| Dangerous Dog Test | Conduct, not breed | - |
| Local Authority | NMSA 1978, Sec. 77-1-12 | - |
| Ordinance | - | No. 32, §VI(I) (1984) |
| Court Ruling | - | Garcia v. Village of Tijeras (1988) |
| Penalty | - | Impoundment and destruction |
| Status | - | Upheld as constitutional |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
Are pit bulls or any breeds banned in Albuquerque?
No. Albuquerque has no breed-specific ban. The HEART Ordinance regulates dogs by individual aggressive behavior, and the New Mexico Dangerous Dog Act defines dangerous dogs by conduct (causing serious injury), not by breed.
What makes a dog 'dangerous' under New Mexico law?
Under NMSA 1978, Sec. 77-1A-2, a 'dangerous dog' is a dog that caused a serious injury to a person or domestic animal, and a 'potentially dangerous dog' is one that injures, chases, or menaces without provocation. Breed is not part of either definition.
What happens if my dog is declared dangerous?
Under the state Dangerous Dog Act, the owner must register the dog and meet handling and proper-enclosure requirements within 30 days of a court finding, or the dog may be ordered humanely destroyed.
Tijeras FAQ
Are any dog breeds banned in Tijeras?
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).
Are there pit bull restrictions in Tijeras?
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.
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