Quay County adopts ordinance banning import and relocation of prairie dogs

The Quay County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 61 on Dec. 8, 2025, making it unlawful to import or relocate prairie dogs and other animals the county designates as dangerous or nuisance pests. Commissioner Dallas Dowell presented the ordinance and the board voted unanimously to approve it.

The ordinance text defines the covered animals as those designated by Quay County, the State of New Mexico, or the federal government as harmful or injurious and ties enforcement to property-owner responsibility and potential fines. Under the measure the county may assess fines up to $1,000 per separate offense and hold property owners responsible for eradication costs and property repairs when animals are allowed to migrate onto neighboring properties.

County staff noted the ordinance was prompted by resident complaints about property damage and public-health concerns. The ordinance explicitly lists prairie dogs as a designated danger and allows the commission to amend the list by future ordinance. The action was taken during the consent/business portion of the Dec. 8 meeting and carried on a motion by Commissioner Brian Fortner, seconded by Commissioner Dallas Dowell, with Chairwoman Jerri Rush voting 'aye.'

The ordinance record included the full adopted text in the meeting packet. Implementation details—such as enforcement procedures, responsible county office and timeline for any eradication efforts—were not specified during the meeting and would be set by county staff or a subsequent action if needed. The commission did not take public testimony on the ordinance at the Dec. 8 session.