Existing pet sales ban receives an enhancement in its enforcement powers
In an effort to address the growing issue of pet overpopulation and abuse in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the city council has taken decisive action by strengthening regulations surrounding animal sales. The updated HEART ordinance, enacted in August 2025, aims to curb irresponsible breeding and illegal sales, including those occurring in homeless communities.
The new regulations mandate immediate seizure of animals found in illegal public sales on streets, parks, and sidewalks. These animals are then impounded, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and brought into compliance with city regulations. If not reclaimed within 10 days, they become the property of the Animal Welfare Department and are put up for adoption.
Key aspects of the updated regulations include:
- Mandatory immediate seizure and uniform enforcement of all illegal animal sales on public property.
- Puppies and kittens can only be sold or transferred from addresses listed on city-issued litter permits, not from public or commercial properties.
- Increased fines for violations: $200 for first offense, $300 for second, and $500 for subsequent offenses.
- Requirements to hold very young animals until they are old enough for safe spay/neuter surgery.
- Microchipping and vaccination requirements for animals leaving city shelters.
These updates are designed to reduce pet overpopulation and associated abuse by targeting irresponsible breeding and illegal sales. In some instances, animals have been used as currency in homeless communities, exacerbating the problem of unregulated, harmful sales.
The strengthened HEART ordinance represents a citywide effort to enforce responsible animal sales and protect animal welfare while addressing the public health and safety impacts of overpopulation and abuse linked to illegal puppy sales. This decisive action by the city council is a significant step towards creating a safer and more compassionate Albuquerque for all its residents and their furry companions.
[1] Albuquerque Journal, "Albuquerque tightens regulations on pet sales," 1 August 2025. [2] KRQE News 13, "Albuquerque cracks down on illegal puppy sales," 1 August 2025. [3] ABC 7, "Albuquerque's HEART ordinance updated to combat pet overpopulation and abuse," 1 August 2025.
- In the wake of rising concerns about pet overpopulation and abuse in Albuquerque, the city council has implemented stricter pet policies, including mandating immediate seizure of animals found in illegal public sales.
- The updated HEART ordinance, effective from August 2025, now enforces citywide regulations on animal sales with an emphasis on curtailing irresponsible breeding and illegal sales, even in homeless communities.
- The new policy-and-legislation mandates penalties for violations, such as increased fines for multiple offenses and requirements for microchipping, vaccination, and compliance with city regulations for impounded animals before they can be put up for adoption.
