Belen, New Mexico

6.08.010 – License required.

A. Licensing Required. Any person keeping, harboring or maintaining any dog or cat over three (3) months of age, within the city of Belen shall obtain a license from the M.R.S. for each dog or cat. The M.R.S. shall keep a record of all licenses issued and shall issue a tag for each license granted. A current rabies vaccination certificate shall be presented at the time of the application for the license. Licenses shall be issued annually.

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D. Litter License Permit. Any person who breeds or allows dogs and/or cats to breed, are required to obtain a litter license per every new litter produced.

E. Annual License Fee Schedule.

1. For each unneutered male dog …..$ 25.00

2. For each unneutered male cat …..$ 25.00

3. For each unspayed female dog …..$ 25.00

4. For each unspayed female cat …..$ 25.00

5. For each neutered male dog …..$  5.00

6. For each neutered male cat …..$  5.00

7. For each spayed female dog …..$  5.00

8. For each spayed female cat …..$  5.00

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14. Litter License Permit Fee …..$ 25.00

For each dog or cat certified as a surgical risk for spaying or neutering, the license fee shall be five dollars ($5.00). This license will be issued only upon presentation of a certificate from a licensed veterinarian stating that spaying or neutering would be a surgical risk for said animal since, due to the animal’s age or condition, the operation would endanger the life of the animal.

F. Exemptions. The provisions of this section do not apply to dogs or cats whose owners are nonresidents, temporarily within the city, nor to dogs or cats brought into the city for the purpose of participating in any dog or cat show, nor to guide and therapy dogs or cats purposely trained to assist the disabled when such dogs or cats are actually used by the disabled. Future Farmers of America and any other educational animal programs do not have to obtain said permit requirement.

G. Nonresidents who keep said animals within the confines of the boundaries of the city of Belen for less than ninety (90) consecutive days shall be exempt from this section; provided, however, that all other provisions of this title must be complied with.

H. Animals that have a current registered microchip with city of Belen will not be charged a license fee for the life of the animal. Guide and therapy dogs or cats will be licensed by the city of Belen at no charge to the disabled.