A proposed overhaul of Santa Fe County's pet licensing rules would require cat owners to license their pets and people who feed feral cats to get permits.
The draft proposal approved by the county commission on Tuesday also would significantly increase almost all fees and fines associated with owning pets.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the cost of licensing spayed or neutered dogs and cats would increase to $8 from $3 per year, while the cost of licensing an unaltered dog or cat would increase from $10 to $100.
Fines for animal neglect also would increase substantially — from $50 to $150 for a first offense.
A series of public hearings on the proposed ordinance are planned before the new rules return to the commission for final approval.