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Council adopts ordinance banning animals and unattended people on medians, lowers median fine after amendments
Summary
After public testimony split between animal-welfare and homeless-advocacy groups, the council adopted an ordinance that defines abandonment and prohibits unattended animals and people on medians; sponsors added amendments to reduce the median fine to $50 and to clarify alternatives for people who cannot pay.
The City Council on Dec. 10 adopted an ordinance amending Santa Fe’s animal code to define "abandonment," prohibit unattended animals and prohibit keeping animals on medians. Sponsors said the changes were prompted by animal-welfare and public-safety concerns.
Councilor Signe Lindell, a sponsor, said the primary motivation was animal welfare and public safety: “I don’t think a dog on a median is a proper place for a dog to be in the middle of traffic,” she said during the debate. Councilor Pilar Faulkner and others framed the item as a public‑safety and health measure.
Several nonprofit advocates and people with lived experience testified in opposition, saying the ordinance risks separating homeless people from their companion animals and will criminalize behavior driven by lack of shelter. Karen Kane of the Street Homeless Animal Project said the measure would "further choke the life out of and criminalize our homeless brothers and sisters," arguing that animals and people should be supported together.
Sponsors introduced amendments at council: one lowered the fine for keeping an animal on a median from a higher proposed amount to $50 for a first offense, and clarifying language was added to ensure individuals who cannot pay will be offered alternatives rather than mandatory fines. Councilors also revised statutory language to remove a clause that broadly allowed "persons not acting on behalf of the city" to turn animals over to the shelter, instead leaving operational instruction to animal-services staff.
The ordinance passed after amendment. Supporters said it balances animal safety and humane enforcement; opponents warned it could have unintended consequences for unhoused residents and called for expanded shelter and services before and alongside enforcement.
What happens next: The city will implement the ordinance through Animal Services and related outreach; staff said enforcement would include alternatives for those unable to pay fines and that animal-services staff will develop public guidance on how to handle found or apparently abandoned animals.
Speakers quoted: "This measure is absolutely further choking the life out of and criminalizing our homeless brothers and sisters out there," said Karen Kane of Street Homeless Animal Project. "It's about animal welfare," Councilor Lindell said in introducing the measure.
