The Albuquerque City Council has approved Ordinance O-25-84, which updates the city’s Humane and Ethical Animal Rules and Treatment (HEART) Ordinance. The measure, sponsored by District 7 City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, aims to strengthen enforcement against the sale and giveaway of animals on public property.
The original HEART Ordinance was enacted in 2006 to set standards for animal care and protection in Albuquerque. Councilor Fiebelkorn, who contributed to the initial legislation with then-District 7 City Councilor Sally Mayer, described it as a model for animal ordinances since its introduction.
Under the new update, any animals being sold or given away on sidewalks, parks, parking lots, or other public spaces will be seized immediately. These animals will receive spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, and medical evaluation before being held for ten days. If unclaimed after this period, they become property of the Animal Welfare Department and are put up for adoption.
“We’ve seen firsthand how selling animals in public places leads to cycles of neglect, abandonment, and overcrowding in our shelters,” said Councilor Fiebelkorn. “Grey areas in the ordinance meant officers were not always enforcing what was on the books. This update ensures we act swiftly to protect animals and hold individuals accountable.”
Key provisions of Ordinance O-25-84 include mandatory seizure and impoundment of animals unlawfully offered for sale or giveaway on public property; clarified enforcement requirements across city departments; authorization for impounding all animals found with individuals engaged in illegal sales; required intake processes such as spaying/neutering and microchipping; and a defined ten-day holding period before unclaimed animals are transferred to city ownership.
“This is a win for our animal companions and for the health and safety of our entire community,” added Fiebelkorn. “We’re sending a clear message: Albuquerque will not tolerate the public sale of animals, and we will provide every animal in our care with the support they need to find a loving home.”
The ordinance received strong backing from local residents and advocacy groups. The full text of the updated HEART ordinance is available at https://cabq.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7372776&GUID=FCC1ADB3-C816-4FD2-AD62-6A65C01F7C09
