6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
Verified from official government sources
Bernalillo County may allow backyard chickens - NM tends to be permissive. Roosters restricted in dense areas. Livestock requires appropriate zoning.
Bernalillo County Animal Care Ordinance (Chapter 6, §6-43) — animals must be restrained. Running at large is prohibited. Bernalillo County Animal Care Services enforces. Dogs must be under owner control at all times. Contact ACS at (505) 468-7387.
Bernalillo County has no breed-specific legislation at the county level. Animal regulations focus on behavior — dangerous or aggressive animals addressed regardless of breed. Note: some municipalities within the county (e.g., Tijeras) have their own breed bans.
Beekeeping is allowed in unincorporated Bernalillo County. No county-specific beekeeping permit required for hobby beekeepers. State apiary rules under NMAC 21.27.2 apply. Commercial apiaries must register annually with NM Department of Agriculture by November 1.
Bernalillo County Animal Care Ordinance (Chapter 6) addresses dangerous animals. State wildlife laws (NMSA §77-1A-1) govern exotic animal ownership. Breeder permits required for intact dogs/cats (§6-39B). Site permits for multiple-animal operations (§6-39A).
Intentional feeding of deer, bears, coyotes, javelina, and other wildlife is prohibited in Bernalillo County and Albuquerque under nuisance and public-safety provisions. NM Game & Fish Commission Rule 19.31.4 NMAC additionally prohibits feeding that habituates big game. Sandia foothills enforcement is active.
3 cities in Bernalillo County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Bernalillo County Ordinance Hub →