Report Animal Bites & Quarantine - Albuquerque Law

Public Safety New Mexico 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of New Mexico

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, reporting an animal bite promptly protects public health and starts quarantine and rabies-control steps required by city and state authorities. This guide explains when and how to report a bite to Albuquerque Animal Welfare, what happens to the animal, who enforces the rules, and the immediate medical and legal steps residents should take. Follow the action steps below and contact official agencies listed in Help and Support for forms, fees, and timelines.

What to do after an animal bite

Immediately seek medical attention for the wound and tell the clinician the bite source if known. Then report the incident to Albuquerque Animal Welfare as soon as possible; the department handles investigations and quarantine decisions for animals found within city limits.[1]

  • Seek medical care immediately and save clinical records as evidence.
  • Report the bite to Albuquerque Animal Welfare online or by phone within 24 hours if possible.[1]
  • Provide bite details: location, time, animal description, owner contact (if any), and your vaccination status.
Preserve the animal if safe to do so and avoid handling it directly.

Quarantine, observation, and testing

Albuquerque Animal Welfare may order confinement, impoundment, or owner observation for the animal depending on vaccination status and exposure risk; decisions follow city procedures and state public-health guidance.[1][3]

  • If the animal is current on rabies vaccination, a home or owner-supervised 10-day observation may be allowed.
  • Unvaccinated or stray animals may be quarantined at a facility for observation and testing.
  • Rabies testing requires the specimen and laboratory action if the animal is euthanized; NM Department of Health provides state-level guidance on testing procedures.[3]
Quarantine and testing protect both the bite victim and the wider community.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by Albuquerque Animal Welfare (City of Albuquerque Police Department Animal Welfare Division) for city code violations and by state public-health authorities for rabies control.[1][3]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited municipal code page; consult the municipal code or department for exact penalties.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page and may be set by ordinance or municipal court order.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders for quarantine, seizure, impoundment, and court actions including injunctions or criminal citations may be used.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Albuquerque Animal Welfare accepts reports online and by phone; contact details are on the department reporting page.[1]
  • Appeal/review: appeal routes and specific time limits are not specified on the cited municipal code page; check the municipal code or contact the department for filing deadlines and the appeals process.[2]
  • Defences/discretion: exemptions or defences (for example, proof of vaccination) are applied case-by-case by the enforcer according to municipal rules and state rabies guidance.[1][3]

Applications & Forms

The city provides bite-reporting and animal-control complaint procedures on its Animal Welfare pages; specific form names, numbers, fees, or online forms are listed on the department site when available, otherwise not specified on the cited page.[1][2]

Action steps - report, preserve, follow orders

  • Report the bite to Albuquerque Animal Welfare immediately and keep a copy of the report.
  • Follow quarantine or isolation orders exactly and document compliance.
  • If fined, follow instructions to pay or appeal within the timeframe provided by the notice.
Failure to report or to comply with quarantine orders can increase public-health risk and may lead to enforcement action.

FAQ

Who should I call to report an animal bite in Albuquerque?
Contact Albuquerque Animal Welfare via the city reporting page or the phone number listed on the department site; emergency bites that threaten life get immediate priority.[1]
Will the animal be quarantined or tested?
Quarantine or testing depends on the animal's vaccination status and circumstances; the department or public-health officials decide the appropriate measure.[1][3]
What fines or penalties apply for failing to comply?
Exact fines and escalation are not specified on the cited municipal code page; contact Animal Welfare or consult the municipal code for details.[2]

How-To

  1. Seek medical attention and document the wound and clinician advice.
  2. Report the incident to Albuquerque Animal Welfare with full details and witness contacts.[1]
  3. Provide or obtain vaccination records for the animal from the owner or vet.
  4. Follow quarantine or impound orders and keep records of compliance.
  5. If requested, surrender the animal for testing or present it for observation per department instructions.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Report bites promptly to start quarantine and testing.
  • Albuquerque Animal Welfare enforces animal-control rules within city limits.
  • State public-health guidance governs rabies testing and medical follow-up.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Albuquerque - Animal Welfare report page
  2. [2] City of Albuquerque Municipal Code (library.municode.com)
  3. [3] New Mexico Department of Health - Rabies

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