Alamogordo pet owners warned to keep their animals secure, as number of strays rise

The City of Alamogordo and its animal control department are reminding pet owners of the importance of securing their pets after reports of animals at large near 500.

The city's Animal Control Ordinance contains a section titled Animals at large ― an old local law that is meant to minimize the number of lost pets.

Recently animal control officials said the number of strays reported in the city is rising and the local animal shelter is at capacity.

The number of stray animals caught in Alamogordo nears 500

City officials said a recent spike in complaints and reports of strays throughout the city meant a renewed effort to remind pet owners of their responsibility in abiding with the city's animal ordinances.

Alamogordo Animal Control Manager Dwain Martinez said since the beginning of the 2024 there have been 445 reports of "animals at large."

There were 115 reports of "animals at large" in April. Ten reports were already filed by May 2.

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Alamogordo animal ordinances require pet owners to leash pets in public places

Stephanie Hernandez, assistant city manager, said the city plans on "really enforcing" local ordinances that require owners keep their pets leashed and fenced.

"We are just trying to let people know and remind them of the ordinance," Martinez said.

The ordinance states that a person must have control of their animal within city limits unless they are in an area for that species, for instance a dog park.

The ordinance also states all animals must be properly fenced.

The ordinance continues to state that owners cannot "tether" or tie their pets to a pole that extends over public property.

"If any animal is restricted by a tether, the animal shall be affixed in a manner to prevent the animal from being entangled or injured and permit the animal access to adequate shelter, food, and water," according to the ordinance.

If an animal is tied, the material holding the animal must not be more than a quarter inch. The ordinance also states that an owner cannot leave an animal outside without proper shelter in harsh weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow and hail.

To learn more about the Animal Control ordinance, "Animals at large," visit the city of Alamogordo website.

What repercussions you may face for not following the city ordinance

Pet owners can face up to a $500 fine, 90 days in jail and confiscation of the pet for not following the ordinance.

If pets are not fenced on private property and are reported loose, owners can also face the same fine and jail time.

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Local animal shelter at capacity

In April the Animal Control facility held a $40 adoption event in hopes of making space in the shelter, which at the time was full.

Hernandez said there is overcrowding and because of that animals are euthanized.

The Alamogordo Daily News contacted Martinez for more information on the number of animals euthanized but have not received a response.

"I will say that we work with Kitty City, which has been an amazing partner to help with the cat population problem," Hernandez said.

Alamogordo Animal Control officials post lost and found animals daily to its Facebook page, including the location and time of when the animal was found.

Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on twitter at @Juan36Corr.

This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: Number of strays in Alamogordo rises. Owners warned to secure pets