Bernalillo County enforces new pet law

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Bernalillo County's new rules for pets are now in effect covering everything from basic care to expanding the language for animal cruelty to include acts of negligence.

The new rules enforced by the county Animal Control Department expand the existing animal control ordinance which now runs 32 pages.

Among the new requirements:

Dogs, cats and ferrets must have permanent identification in the form of a microchip, tattoo or collar in addition to a license and rabies vaccination.

Chaining to stationary objects is prohibited.

Sales of dogs and cats limited to permit holder's residence. Female cats and dogs limited to one litter a year absent a professional or hobby breeder permit.

Animal cruelty expanded to include negligence, failing to provide basic or emergency medical care, keeping animal in enclosed environment that inflicts pain or suffering and performing ear-cropping, de-barking or tail docking unless done by a veterinarian.

Language for fighting animals now includes possession of fighting paraphernalia, use of bait animals and training animals for fighting.