Hurley Debates Changes to Animal Control Ordinance

Town Council workshop focuses on trap-neuter-vaccinate-return strategy for feral cats

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hurley residents and animal control officers discussed proposed changes to the town's animal control ordinance during a Hurley Town Council workshop. The main point of contention was whether the trap, neuter, vaccinate, release (TNVR) strategy for feral cats violates New Mexico law. The New Mexico Borderland Animal Rescue Coalition argued the strategy is legal, while the Silver City Animal Control Officer said the 'return' part of TNVR is considered animal abandonment under state statute.

Why it matters

The debate over TNVR highlights the ongoing challenges towns face in balancing animal welfare, public safety, and legal compliance when it comes to managing feral cat populations. The outcome of Hurley's ordinance changes could set a precedent for other New Mexico municipalities.

The details

Archi Padilla of the NM Borderland Animal Rescue Coalition said TNVR is legal, as states give municipalities authority to create their own ordinances. However, Councilor Jason Cox, who is also a Grant County animal control officer, said Hurley's ordinance must be at least as strong as the state and county's. Silver City Animal Control Officer Vickie Toney argued TNVR's 'return' component is considered animal abandonment and animal cruelty under state law. Padilla countered that if community cats are defined as having no owners, there would be no liability for the town. The proposed ordinance changes would require two unrelated complainants within 500 feet to trigger enforcement action, which Cox and Police Chief Kevin Vigil said would hamper their ability to respond to issues.

  • The Hurley Town Council workshop took place on Tuesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Archi Padilla

President of the New Mexico Borderland Animal Rescue Coalition.

Councilor Jason Cox

Grant County animal control officer.

Vickie Toney

Silver City Animal Control Officer.

Mayor Reynaldo Maynes

Mayor of Hurley, New Mexico.

Judge George Moreno

Local judge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Every state gives the authority to every county and any municipality to create their own ordinance. One does not override the other.”

— Archi Padilla, President, New Mexico Borderland Animal Rescue Coalition

“The county's ordinances have to be at least as strong as the New Mexico state statute. They can be stronger, but they can't be less-than. The town of Hurley's ordinance has to be as strong as Grant County's ordinances.”

— Councilor Jason Cox, Grant County Animal Control Officer

“Reducing the population is the priority. It's not working with what we're doing today, so we've gotta do something different — it doesn't have to be all or nothing.”

— Melissa Clayton, Director of Operations, New Mexico Borderland Animal Rescue Coalition

“Vaccinations have to be given once a year for two years in order to administer a three-year vaccine to animals. Silver City considers the 'return' part of the strategy to be abandonment, and that state statute considers abandonment to be animal cruelty.”

— Vickie Toney, Silver City Animal Control Officer

What’s next

Mayor Reynaldo Maynes said he and the Town Clerk will meet again with the town attorney to further discuss liability and other legal matters related to the proposed ordinance changes.

The takeaway

The debate over Hurley's animal control ordinance highlights the complex balance towns must strike between animal welfare, public safety, and legal compliance when it comes to managing feral cat populations. The outcome could set an important precedent for other New Mexico municipalities facing similar challenges.