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City Council tightens rules on public sale of pets, adds enforcement steps to HEART ordinance
Summary
Albuquerque City Councilors on Monday approved amendments to the HEART ordinance that bar public sales of dogs and cats and allow Animal Welfare to seize animals shown for sale and ensure they are spayed, neutered and microchipped before release.
Albuquerque City Councilors on Monday approved changes to the city’s HEART ordinance that bar public sale or gifting of dogs and cats and give Animal Welfare clearer authority to seize animals shown for sale in public.
The council passed O-84 as amended on a 9-0 vote after floor amendments clarified that any animal released from the shelter must be altered and microchipped before release; animals seized under the new language will not be eligible for an intact permit; and an animal not reclaimed within 10 days becomes the property of the Animal Welfare Department.
The measure aims to curb backyard breeding and street sales that Animal Welfare and rescuers say are driving high intake and illness at the shelter. Councilor Peter Piedelkorn, sponsor of the ordinance changes, said the amendments ensure seized animals “are going to get spay, neuter, and hopefully…
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