In New Mexico, laws regulating the tethering and chaining of pets vary by city and county, reflecting growing awareness of animal welfare concerns. While it is not universally illegal to leave your pet chained outside, many municipalities have enacted strict anti-tethering ordinances to prevent cruelty and ensure humane treatment. Here’s an overview of what the law says in 2025.
Statewide Regulations
New Mexico does not have a statewide law explicitly banning the tethering or chaining of pets. However, individual cities and counties have implemented ordinances that address this issue. These laws aim to prevent prolonged or inhumane tethering practices that can harm animals physically and emotionally.
Municipal Ordinances
Several cities and counties in New Mexico have taken steps to regulate or prohibit tethering:
- Santa Fe: In 2020, Santa Fe passed an ordinance banning the use of trolley systems to tether dogs outside. It also prohibits keeping dogs outdoors when temperatures fall below 33°F or rise above 90°F. Animal control officers are empowered to intervene if a dog appears to be in imminent danger due to tethering conditions.
- Bernalillo County: Since 2013, Bernalillo County has enforced a zero-tolerance policy on chaining or tethering dogs outdoors. This ordinance encourages pet owners to provide secure fencing instead of relying on chains, with programs available to assist owners in compliance.
- Albuquerque: Under the HEART Ordinance, chaining animals for more than one hour within a 24-hour period is prohibited. Additional restrictions include chain weight limits, length requirements, and ensuring the chain does not obstruct the animal’s movement or become entangled.
- Roswell: A revised ordinance enacted in January 2025 prohibits tethering dogs unless certain conditions are met. Exceptions include lawful events (e.g., training or veterinary care) and cases where a veterinarian deems tethering humane. Pets must otherwise be kept in secure enclosed areas with adequate space based on their size.
Prohibited Practices
Across New Mexico, ordinances generally prohibit:
- Continuous or prolonged tethering.
- Tethering during extreme weather conditions.
- Using heavy or abrasive chains that can harm the animal.
- Leaving pets unsupervised while tethered for extended periods.
Violations can result in fines, jail time, or restrictions on pet ownership for repeat offenders.
Exceptions
Some ordinances allow temporary tethering under specific circumstances:
- During supervised outdoor activities.
- For lawful events such as dog training or adoption fairs.
- When a veterinarian provides written approval deeming it humane.
Animal Welfare Concerns
Anti-tethering laws are rooted in concerns about the physical and psychological harm caused by prolonged chaining. Tethered animals often suffer injuries from restrictive chains, exposure to harsh weather, and lack of social interaction.
While it is not universally illegal to leave your pet chained outside in New Mexico, many cities and counties have enacted ordinances that heavily regulate or prohibit such practices.
Pet owners should familiarize themselves with local laws to ensure compliance and prioritize their pets’ welfare. Providing secure fencing or indoor shelter is often required as a humane alternative to tethering.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://www.nhes.org/santa-fe-nm-passes-ordinance-protecting-dogs/
[2] https://www.nmdog.org/unchain-nm.html
[3] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tethering-albuquerque-new-mexico/
[4] https://www.roswell-nm.gov/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=1296
[5] https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/new-mexico-problematic-tethering-bill-amended-additional-committee-hearings-expected-soon/
[6] https://www.cabq.gov/pets/animal-protection-services/heart-ordinance-information
