ANTHONY, N.M. -- Many residents were taken by surprise, some upset, when a code enforcement task force converged on the town of Anthony, N.M., Thursday.

Resident David Quintana is just one of the residents facing fines as code enforcers from Dona Ana County Animal Control and the sheriff's office converged on the town and handed out numerous tickets.

Quintana received his because of his dogs’ appearance.

"For not having them groomed properly and kind of unkempt," Quintana said. "We're going to court for to fight them."

Each citation came with a fine of up to $300.

While many residents were taken by surprise by the inspections, some inspectors were surprised when they discovered two wild falcons inside one home.

"You name it; we can find it, on any given day of the week in any given area of the county," said Curtis Childress, Dona Ana County Code Enforcement director.

While many residents were upset by the first code inspection in years, others saw it as a welcome surprise.

"If they're asking for money, well, that’s the only way they're going to crack it down," said resident Albert Vasquez.

Inspectors cracked down on everything from broken-down cars to unkempt yards.

"We put together these projects so we can be proactive, instead of just reactive," Childress said.

However, some just call it a way to increase county funds.

"If you look at it, they're probably searching for all different ways they can; you know, make a little money here or there,” Quintana said.