Latest news with #AnimalWelfareDepartment
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Yahoo
Albuquerque Animal Welfare says HEART ordinance updates will help enforce the law
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New city rules are cracking down on people illegally selling puppies and kittens on Albuquerque's streets and in parking lots. Those rules give clear authority to the City of Albuquerque's Animal Welfare Department to seize for sale pets. Story continues below News: New Mexico Chile Association: Crop looks good but there were challenges Trending: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to sell nearly 500 leftover deer licenses New Mexico News Insiders: What Happens When The Rio Grande Runs Dry? Community: KRQE Cares Shoes for Kids is raising money to put new shoes on kids at selected Title 1 schools The Humane and Ethical Animal Rules and Treatment ordinance (H.E.A.R.T) aims to control the overpopulation of animals. Now, the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department said they have more power to enforce it. It's a widespread issue, according to the department: people selling dogs or cats illegally without a permit. 'What this bill is, it is not specific to whether someone is housed or unhoused, it says if you are selling animals in public spaces in our city, that's not allowed,' said Albuquerque City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. Monday night, Albuquerque city councilors expanded the H.E.A.R.T ordinance, which was enacted in 2006 to control the overpopulation of dogs and cats in the city. It already prohibited people from illegally selling cats and dogs on public property, but stopped short of mandating that violators would automatically lose their animals. The law now requires the immediate seizure of those animals. The Animal Welfare Department said the update will make it easier for them to enforce the law. 'Prior to this new ordinance being approved, we would have to go through the court system to be able to seize or confiscate any animals. We would need a court order to be able to do that. This new ordinance allows us to bypass that step,' said Director of the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department Carolyn Ortega. Once the department confiscates the pets, they will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and micro-chipped. Then the owner can reclaim them. 'If those pets are not reclaimed in 10 days, they become the property of Animal Welfare,' said Ortega. The department said they could see a surge in the number of animals in their shelters, but they believe overall this will lead to a reduction in the pet population. People who are breeding and selling animals without a permit can be charged with a petty misdemeanor. The department said they will call in the Albuquerque Police Department to support them in cases where someone doesn't cooperate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Filipino Times
02-03-2025
- Health
- Filipino Times
Abu Dhabi Municipality visits pet shops; ensures animals are in safe environment
Abu Dhabi City Municipality has launched a field awareness campaign calling on pet shop owners and workers to uphold the highest standards of care for animals. Through its Animal Welfare Department, inspectors visited dozens of pet shops across the city, ensuring that animals were being kept in healthy conditions and reminding businesses that pets deserve more than just a place to be sold—they deserve compassion and proper care. During the visits, inspectors checked the health conditions of animals and birds for sale, assessed shop environments, and reinforced the importance of veterinary care. They also reminded pet shop operators of their responsibilities under the UAE's Animal Welfare Law and related regulations. The campaign aims to ensure that each animal has a chance at a healthy and happy life.
