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1. I found a stray animal and Animal Control is closed. What should I do with the animal?

You have a few options. If you feel comfortable with the animal you can keep it and contact Animal Control the following day, or you can take the animal to Animal Control and place it in one of the drop off cages on the North side of the building. If you are unable to keep the animal or transport it to Animal Control, then you can call the police department's non emergency number, 575-439-4300, and they will dispatch the on-call Animal Control Officer to your location for pickup.

2. I have seen skunks in my neighborhood. Can Animal Control remove the skunks?

Yes. Contact Animal Control at 575-439-4330 and they can lend you a live trap along with instructions on how to set and bait the trap. Once a skunk is caught call 575-439-4330 and an officer will be sent to retrieve the skunk.

3. I have a problem with stray cats in my neighborhood. Will Animal Control help me resolve this problem?

Yes. Contact Animal Control at 575-439-4330 and they will lend you a live trap along with instructions on how to set and bait the trap. Once a cat is trapped call 576-439-4330. An officer will be sent to retrieve the cat.

4. I have been having a problem with bats around my home. Does Animal Control handle bats?

If the bats are on the outside of your home, doorway, eaves, etc. we can attempt to capture the bats. If they are located inside your residence, you will have to contact a local pest control agency. For more information, call Animal Control at 575-439-4330.

5. I just noticed a large swarm of bees by my house. Does Animal Control do anything about bees?

If the bees are on private property, the property owner should call a pest control company. If they are on public property, Animal Control will come out and do an assessment of the location of the bees and whether they pose a danger to the public. Once this is done Animal Control will contact the proper authorities to remove the bees if necessary. For more information, call Animal Control at 575-439-4330.

6. If I get bit by an animal what should I do?

Medical Attention

If you feel the bite is serious, seek medical attention immediately. Whether you go to a doctor’s office or the hospital emergency room, they will contact Animal Control to report the bite and an Animal Control Officer will be dispatched immediately.

Vaccinations

If you do not seek medical attention you may call Animal Control and an officer will be dispatched. The officer will locate the animal and verify whether it has a current rabies vaccination. If the animal does not have current vaccinations it will be impounded and quarantined for 10 days. You will be informed if anything out of the ordinary is observed during the quarantine period. You will also be contacted by an officer approximately 10 days after the bite during a follow up to ensure that you are recovering satisfactorily.

More Information

For more information or if you are bit by an animal, call Animal Control at 575-439-4330.

7. Pigeons keep coming into my yard and eating my pet’s food. They are becoming a nuisance, can you help?

Contact a local pest control agency for assistance in removal of the pigeons.

8. There is a large rattlesnake in my yard. Will you send someone to remove it?

Yes. Animal Control officers will respond to snake calls within the city limits. Officers will capture and release it back to the wild in an unpopulated area. For more information, call Animal Control at 575-439-4330.