Bernalillo County Ordinance Passes

The published draft ordinance passed last night with nine floor amendments. The crowd was more balanced than in the past (primarily because the hearing didn’t start until after 8pm). Notable wins and losses regarding the amendments…

The final ordinance and fees can be found at:
http://www.bernco.gov/live/departments.asp?dept=2328

WINS
Identification can be by microchip, tattoo or tag.

Waiver of ordinance requirement can be granted by the county manager or their designee (ACS Director) under certain conditions
(Comment…more to come on that as soon as it’s available).

Strays with identification can continue to be returned to owners instead of going to the city shelter. However, if an animal is intact, an intact fee must be paid or the animal must be sterilized within 60 days (the intact fee/sterilization is a state requirement).

LOSSES
Kennel space requirements were changed to the original ordinance…25 sq ft for cats, 75 sq ft for dogs under 30 lbs, 100 sq ft for dogs 30-59 lbs and 125 sq ft for dogs over 59 lbs. (Comment: I have been assured ACS will continue pragmatic enforcement for those that have exercise yards if kennels are less than the space requirement.)

NEUTRAL (due to differing opinions on the issue)
Introduction of livestock care and sheltering requirements for livestock on less than one acre of property

Pet store sales of dogs and cats is banned unless the pet store is selling them under a hobby breeder permit. (Comment: This was changed to “grandfather” in the only pet store in unincorporated Bernalillo County that sells dogs and only sells dogs they breed).