Animal Protection Voters

Animal Sheltering Service Act now waits for Governor Richardson’s signature

2007-03-17T11:31:00.000-06:00

By a vote of 60-0, SB458, the Animal Sheltering Services Act, passed the House of Representatives on Thursday March 15. Animal Protection Voters is deeply grateful to Senator Mary Jane Garcia who sponsored the Senate bill and Representative Thomas Swisstack who sponsored the House bill.

The Animal Sheltering Services Act authorizes the creation of the Animal Sheltering Services Board, which will promulgate recommended standards for New Mexico’s shelters, and mandatory standards for the practice of euthanasia. The Act also creates the Animal Care and Facilities Fund, which will be able to accept donations and legislative appropriations to assist communities with carrying out the provisions of the Act. The fund will be able to accept and the board help implement legislative appropriations for spay-neuter projects should they be funded by the legislature in the future.

It has taken four years to get this important legislation approved and funded.

ASSA & some misconceptions

2007-03-14T14:52:00.000-06:00

The Animal Sheltering Services Act has received overwhelming support. That support has come from legislators, animal shelter leadership around the state, and organizations such as the NM Municipal League and the NM Animal Control Association.

As with most bills there has been opposition as well. We have heard from some people that have concerns about the repercussions of the state-level board (ASSB) that will be created. It seems that some of these concerns would be alleviated if the bill were read… I know, I know—word of mouth is easier than actually reading the 23-page bill.

Here is what I’ve been hearing:

• “The ASSA puts an undue financial burden on municipalities and counties as they implement the established standards.”
The ASSB will establish voluntary standards for shelters. Not mandatory. Voluntary.

• “ The ASSB will be packed with animal rights activists.”
The nine members will be appointed by the Governor.
Those members are outlined very specifically in the bill. Here are the groups that will be represented: NM Municipal League, NM Association of Counties, veterinary community, rescue organizations, domestic pet breeding community, animal advocacy community, the general public, and the animal shelter community (with those shelter representatives having specialized experience in operations and euthanasia).

• “ The ASSA puts shelter operations in the hands of animal rights groups”
Currently, when shelters seek guidance, they contact the following groups: HSUS and APNM. These groups will come out and provide an evaluation. The HSUS consultation is very thorough and comes with a high price tag. APNM comes out on a more informal basis as time and staff resources allow.

After the Animal Sheltering Services Board is created, there will be another option for shelters. APNM won't be the only in-state organization available for shelter consultations. HSUS will still be the desired evaluation tool for some communities. But by and large, the ASSB will provide the guidance so necessary in our sheltering community.

• “HSUS is the only group that provides euthanasia training. Training should be provided by the AVMA.”
HSUS does not provide euthanasia training. AVMA does not provide euthanasia training.

The groups that DO offer humane euthanasia training are: American Humane Association, National Animal Control Association, and the University of Missouri. These three groups have offered this vital training in New Mexico within the past year.

• “ASSA is paving the way for statewide mandatory spay-neuter.”
I know this bill inside and out… I just can’t find anything in the text that implies some backdoor trick for mandatory s/n. The ASSA does create a fund that could accept s/n appropriations. It does give the board the power and duty to work with communities on s/n programs. The nine member ASSB certainly has not power to implement mandatory s/n.

The bottom line is this:
The time has come for companion animals to have a place in our state government. They deserve to be compassionately cared for while being housed at shelters, and treated with dignity if their lives must end. And the people who take on the difficult job of working at shelters deserve some help, too.

COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO!!!!!

2007-03-13T15:13:00.000-06:00

As Governor Richardson said so eloquently, "It's history."

On Monday, March 12, 2007, history was made for both roosters and the citizens of New Mexico. New Mexico has officially become the 49th state to ban the cruel sport of cockfighting! Flanked by actress and extraordinary animal activist, Ali MacGraw, the sponsor of SB10 Senator Mary Jane Garcia, Representative Peter Wirth, Animal Protection Voters Executive Director Lisa Jennings along with the APV staff and former staff and Allen Sanchez, Exec. Dir. of the NM Conference of Catholic Bishops, Governor Richardson signed the bill to ban cockfighting.

While the penalties have been reduced in this final version of the bill, the public can be assured that law enforcement will be more than happy to raid illegal rings and enforce this law. Governor Richardson also stated yesterday that we can come back and make the bill stronger in a few years if this law doesn't keep people from participating in these cruel killing contests.

Rocky "Not So" Cocky and Joey "The Chicken" Rooster are now free to strut their stuff around the barnyard and relax with their lady hen friends where they belong - their fight is canceled forever.

Representative Tom Taylor also had an idea:

HOUSE MEMORIAL 12
48TH LEGISLATURE
- STATE OF NEW MEXICO -
FIRST SESSION, 2007

INTRODUCED BY
Thomas C. Taylor

A MEMORIAL SUPPORTING A SUITABLE RETIREMENT FOR FIGHTING COCKS.

WHEREAS, in the heated and emotional debate over whether
to prohibit cockfighting in the state of New Mexico, a question
that by all appearances will be settled in a matter of weeks,
few have considered the fate that awaits the proud and mighty
fighting cocks in their imminent retirement; and

WHEREAS, the lonely cluck of the warrior with no battle
plucks at our heartstrings and stirs the very fabric of our
compassionate souls; and

WHEREAS, if the fighting cocks are anything like the rest
of us, they have devoted precious little time and energy to
planning for their golden years; and

WHEREAS, it would be an intolerable and ironic injustice
to free the fighting cocks from the arena, where they at least
had half a chance to see the next sunrise, only to have them
land, literally, in the frying pan; and

WHEREAS, it is not in the public's interest to allow
retired fighting cocks to simply roam freely in New Mexico
because they have nasty dispositions and no tolerance for other
cocks and would almost certainly join the ranks of feral cats
and stray dogs, all the while spreading their dang little
feathers just about everywhere; and

WHEREAS, everybody loves a winner and, by definition, each
of the soon-to-be-retired fighting cocks is undefeated;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the appropriate
state agencies be requested to design and implement a
retirement program befitting the majesty of the fighting cocks
that includes twice-weekly visits from the very best cage-free
hens the state has to offer, one high-definition television for
every six cocks and a subscription to ESPN, animal planet and
CMT pure country, but not to the food network or FOX news.

Animal Sheltering Services Act in the final week

2007-03-13T12:45:00.000-06:00

With the cockfighting ban accomplished, our last push at the roundhouse is the Animal Sheltering Services Act. It is down to the wire in the last week as many bills will simply die for lack of time. Hopefully, ASSA will not be one of those.

At this point, ASSA/SB458 has 2 more steps. We are waiting for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. That committee already heard the identical House version of the bill. The final step is then the vote on the House floor.

We have until noon on Saturday, 3/17....

Roosters on the way to roost on Governor's desk!

2007-03-11T11:08:00.000-06:00

Cockadoodledoo!

SB10 is on its way to Governor Bill Richardson's desk for signing this week!

After passing back through the Senate for a technical amendment concurrence last week by a vote of 27-6, the bill is ready for signature. Senator Phil Griego attempted to stall SB10 during concurrence by voting against accepting the amendment which was actually a legal "fix" for the incorrect amendment that Sen. Griego added on the Senate floor during SB10's initial Senate vote, he was joined by only 5 other Senators and his stalling attempt failed.

This historic moment signifies a new direction for the state of New Mexico and one that should make every animal lover celebrate. This reflects that New Mexicans' values are to protect all animals and not subject any animal to horrific acts of cruelty for entertainment and illegal gambling.

On behalf of the roosters, Animal Protection Voters thanks everyone who in the past and present have brought us to this historic time!

Roosters almost home free

2007-03-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight the bill to ban cockfighting passed the House by a vote of 49-20! There was about 45 minutes of debate. Many in the House spoke in support of the bill including Rep. Al Park, Rep. Peter Wirth, Rep. Bill Rehm, Rep. Jeff Steinborn, Rep. Antonio Maestas and Rep. Gail Chasey. There were the usual attempts at amendments including adding an appropriation to send the bill to the House Finance Committee which was narrowly defeated. The bill now heads back to the Senate for concurrence on an amendment.

Many thanks to all who have supported and worked so hard on this bill for so many years. History has finally been made for the roosters and New Mexico is stepping up to join the other 48 states that outlaw these horrible killing contests. We hope the cockfighters can find a new joy in gambling on something else.....perhaps the World Series of Poker? I hear they are taking entries now for next year.

ASSA Clears the Senate

2007-03-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hi there, political animals! Good news on the Animal Sheltering Services Act (SB458)-- last week it passed the Senate by a vote of 29-6. We are in the home stretch in the roundhouse, things are moving fast, and everyone is working late. We'll keep you posted...

Oh, and if you are just joining us, check out the archive links to your left-- January & February 2007.

Victory for Chained Dogs

2007-03-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

They aren’t all being let off their chains and invited onto the couch, but attention is on the plight of chained dogs. On Monday, 2/26, the House of Representatives voted unanimously in favor of HM19.

In the next year, the Department of Public Safety will study the humane and public safety implications of persistently tethering dogs. The resulting study can be used to guide future policy- at the state, county and local levels.

Working on HM19, it became apparent that this issue was one that legislators care about. The morning of the vote on the House floor, faxes in opposition to the memorial were sent to all representatives. After they were read and responsibly placed in the recycling bins… and one staffer finding falsified information on the fax regarding a AVMA statement...the New Mexico House of Representatives needed no debate before their unanimous vote!

Thanks to Representative Miguel Garcia for sponsoring HM19.

Roosters closing in on retirement!

2007-02-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

After a vote of 9-1 in the House Judiciary Committee on Monday, SB10 is going to the House floor for a vote! After the House vote, the bill will need to go back to the Senate for a concurrence vote on a technical language amendment for the penalties that was orginally amended on the Senate floor, but fixed by House Agriculture and Water Resources.

If you haven't contacted your representative yet, please call today. The vote in the House could be as early as Thursday March 1, 2007. Click here for your representative's contact information: http://legis.state.nm.us/LCS/legislatorsearch.asp

Cockfighting ban passes Agriculture Committee!

2007-02-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

By a vote of 6-1, the cockfighting ban passed with a "No Rec" the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee (with the House Judiciary Committee members also in attendance) tonight! On Monday, the House Judiciary Committee will vote SB10 based upon the testimony from today's hearing and then it is on to the House floor!

APV Animal Advocacy Day

2007-02-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

Despite blizzards in Albuquerque, volunteers, legislators and members turned out to lobby for the animals today. Governor Richardson kicked off the day with a press conference this morning to proclaim February 14th "Spay and Neuter Awareness Day." He was followed by Senator Mary Jane Garcia who is the Senate sponsor of two APV priority bills: the Cockfighting Ban (SB10) and the Animal Sheltering Services Act (SB458). Representative Miguel Garcia gave a powerful speech about the plight of chained dogs in our state along with Timber, a former chained dog for House Memorial 19. Lastly, Representative Joni Gutierrez who is sponsoring Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez's "Pet Owner Responsibility Act" spoke regarding the importance of spay and neuter and the pet overpopulation crisis in New Mexico.

Thank you so much to all of the legislators, members, volunteers and Governor Richardson for joining us for a great day of animal advocacy!

quick ASSA update-

2007-02-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Last night, the Animal Sheltering Services Act was given a unanimous do pass by the House Judicial Committee. Next stop, House Appropriations!

Thanks to all of you who have called your legislators about this important bill. I have spoken to representatives who mentioned that concerned citizens have called in support of the ASSA. There is still a lot more work, and we'll need your continued help in the coming weeks.

Chained Dogs... not forgotten

2007-02-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

Imagine having a chain around your neck that forces you to eat, sleep and defecate in the same place, day after day, exposed to scorching heat and freezing cold. Imagine being tied up, alone, with nothing to do and nowhere to go. This is the life of a continuously tethered dog.

Dogs are social animals who yearn for attention and a place in the family. But this issue isn’t just about the dogs. Dogs who spend their lives on the end of a chain become frustrated and agitated. The American Veterinary Medical Association has concluded that tethering dogs contributes to aggressive behavior.

Considering the following:
• children are the most common victims of dogs bites
• tethered dogs account for 25% of humane fatalities from dog bites
• tethered dogs are nearly three times more likely to bite than non-tethered dogs

Representative Miguel Garcia of Albuquerque’s South Valley has responded. He has introduced a House Memorial 19 in hopes of tackling this important issue. HM19 calls for the Department of Public Safety to conduct a study into the public safety and humane implications of persistently tethering dogs. It has been assigned to the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee. We’ll let you know when a hearing is scheduled.

Cockfighting ban passes the Senate 31-11!!!!!

2007-02-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delayed post here - APV was having technical issues this week with Blogger.

History was made for New Mexico's roosters on Wed. February 7th when, after 5 1/2 hrs of debate, the Senate voted 31-11 to support a statewide ban on cockfighting.

During the long debate, seven amendments to weaken the bill were introduced by Senators Phil Griego and Rod Adair, two of which passed. One amendment, introduced by Senator Phil Griego, lessened the penalties for participating in a cockfight down to a petty misdemeanor on the first offense, a misdemeanor on the second offense and a 4th degree felony on the third and subsequent offenses. The other amendment removed all penalties for attending and watching a cockfight.

This bill now moves on to the House where it will be heard before the Agriculture and Water Resources Committee and the Judiciary Committee and then it is on to the House floor! If you haven't called the members of these committees yet to support SB10, please do so today! Your local Representative (they are not counting those calling from out-of-state or out-of-district) can be found at: http://legis.state.nm.us/lcs/legislatorsearch.asp

APV and its members send our heartfelt thanks to the Senators who stood up and spoke against the amendments that were introduced: Senator Cisco McSorely, Senator Mary Jane Garcia, Senator Michael Sanchez, Senator John Arthur Smith, Senator Leonard Lee Rawson and Senator John Grubesic.

Stay tuned for more updates and committee scheduling in the House!

Animal Shelter Bill on the move

2007-02-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

Our beloved rooster blogger, “Political Animal” is laid up with what we hope is not the bird flu. So, stay tuned for more updates on from the rooster front.

Pumped up with vitamins and armed with cold medicine, "Political Pitbull" is here for other legislative updates.

This past Wednesday, the House Health and Government Affairs Committee heard testimony on the Animal Sheltering Services Act (ASSA). After several questions about the state of shelters and euthanasia procedures in New Mexico, the committee voted unanimously to give the bill a do pass.

The ASSA now moves on to the House Judiciary Committee on Monday, 2/12 at 1:30 pm.

Senate Vote on SB10 tomorrow!

2007-02-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, February 7th, SB1o will be debated and a vote will be taken in the full Senate.

A ban on cockfighting has never passed out of the Senate in previous years. We hope tomorrow the roosters can take their first giant leap to a "fight free" future!

7 to 3!!!!!

2007-02-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

History was made again today as we passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee with an amendment to make the penalties for cockfighting and attending a cockfight a misdemeanor on the first offense and a fourth-degree felony on the the second and subsequent offenses. Now, it is on to the Senate floor for a full vote.

Thank you to all of APV's members and supporters that came our today to support the ban on cockfighting. We couldn't do it without all of you!

Please stay tuned for more updates and don't forget we have another important hearing on one of our other bills, the Animal Sheltering Services Act, at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, February 7th. If you haven't already called your legislator in the House Health and Government Affairs Committee, please do so now! Follow this link to look up your legislator: http://legis.state.nm.us/

Roosters on a roll!

2007-02-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on SB10 has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on the Senate floor on Monday, February 5.

Please come and support our feathered friends!

5-3

2007-02-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

Today was historic for the roosters of New Mexico.
Thanks to the tremendous support of Animal Protection Voters' members, as well as the eloquence of our speakers, Senators Altamirano, Payne, Ryan, Sharer and Pinto voted to support SB10 to prohibit cockfighting with only three Senators voting against the ban . The bill will now be sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee for a hearing!

Animal Sheltering Services Act is Introduced!

2007-01-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

Even with the huge effort to ban cockfighting we are still looking out for New Mexico’s companion animals.

The Animal Sheltering Services Act is off and running! SENATE BILL 458 (Sen. Mary Jane Garcia) and HOUSE BILL 453 (Rep. Tom Swisstack) have been introduced.

For years, the public, shelter administrators and municipal governments have been looking for assistance in determining standards for their facilities, and there is currently no assistance from the state.

The ASSA would create the Animal Sheltering Services Board (ASSB), which would provide the necessary guidance, assistance and oversight for municipal and county animal shelters. The Board would also regulate and license euthanasia providers throughout the state.

Stay tuned for the ASSA’s path through the legislature and how you can help.

DON'T MISS THE HEARING TOMORROW FOR COCKFIGHTING!

2007-01-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, February 1, 2007 the bill to ban cockfighting will be heard before the Senate Conservation Committee in the Senate Gallery at 2:30 p.m. You must arrive early to try and get a seat!

Questions? Please e-mail: mail@apvnm.org

See you tomorrow!

HEARING DATE FOR BILL TO BAN COCKFIGHTING IS SET

2007-01-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

It's time to make history folks. On Thursday, February 1, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. in Room 311 of the State Capitol Building, SB10, the bill to Ban Cockfighting will be heard in front of the Senate Conservation Committee.

Will the Fight Go On or will the cockfighting ban and the 81% of New Mexicans that support a ban finally get a historic vote on the Senate floor this year?

The roosters of New Mexico can't make it to the hearing - so they need you to come and be their voice and presence. We must demonstrate that the cruelty of animal fighting is not consistent with New Mexicans' humane values.

We are making it easy to attend by providing free round trip transportation from several parts of the state (no need to bother with driving or parking in Santa Fe!), a yummy boxed lunch, t-shirts with our fabulous new graphic and a great time, with democracy at its finest!

To RSVP for your free shuttle ride you MUST call or email by Tuesday January 30th: 505-265-2322 x21 or email: mail@apvnm.org

Rocky the Rooster

2007-01-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

SFR Talk: Cock Block
By Julia Goldberg

Published: January 24, 2007

WITH ROCKY THE ROOSTER (COURTESY ANIMAL PROTECTION VOTERS)

SFR: Rocky, are you an inherently violent bird?
RR: While it is in my nature to protect my territory, it is not with razors or being pumped full of drugs. I will fight for my territory, but not to the death.

Is that what happens during a cockfight? You have razors attached to your legs?
RR: Yes, I have huge gaffs attached to my legs in the form of razors or knives more than 3 inches long, and there’s only two ways to come out of that ring: dead or alive.

What’s your life like between fights?
RR: The life in between fights is when I’m kept tethered to a small A-frame shelter in a yard, just out of pecking reach of hundreds of other roosters. I’m kept there almost all the time to taunt me to protect my area. Two weeks before a fight, I’m taken into a coop called a keep, where I’m fed special foods to give me more energy; and my steroids, the drugs I take, are stepped up to make me more aggressive, and then I get trained. Sometimes I get trained by beating up on other roosters that are used as bait.

How did people end up using you for fights?
RR: From what I understand from my friends, the tradition actually began back in Asia and slowly worked its way over to Mexico. My sport is also in Louisiana at this time and used to be in Oklahoma, so there is no cultural aspect to the killing contest I’m forced to participate in.

How many of your brothers and sisters have died in cockfights?
RR: Of half the birds entered in a derby on the weekend, which could be 100 birds, only 50 walk out.

Do people bet on these games?
RR: People do. Winners in the derby can take home $10,000 to $80,000, and that’s why they fight so hard to get me killed. And all of the gambling is illegal.

Is that part of why cockfighting has become so controversial?
RR: Yes, because all of the money that is involved.

Do you think this will be the year New Mexico finally makes cockfighting illegal?
RR: I’m very optimistic. I would like to be free to peck and scratch around the yard and hang out with my lady friends.

Do you think Gov. Bill Richardson is using you for political gains?
RR: No, I feel that he understands that he needed to lend his support along with 81 percent of New Mexicans who support getting a ban passed. Gov. Richardson is a pro-animal governor.

Animal Protection Voters has been trying to get you out of the ring for years. What are some of their current efforts?
RR: Currently, they have launched a Web site, www.willthefightgoon.com, to help people find out where the bill to ban cockfighting [SB 10] is in the Legislature and are continuously working to keep the bill’s location in the public’s mind so the public will keep pressure on the Legislature to pass the ban.

And the ban’s sponsor is state Sen. Mary Jane Garcia, D-Doña Ana.
RR: She is a wonderful woman who cares deeply for animals.

Who are your other human friends?
RR: Some of my friends include the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops, the New Mexico District Attorneys Association, the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence and New Mexico Voices for Children.

I’ve read that some of your supporters have been threatened.
RR: Yes, and I think it shows that those who have been cruel to animals won’t hesitate to be threatening and use intimidation on people.

In some states where cockfighting is illegal, there are still underground fights. Will that happen here?
RR: It may, but that is why the fourth-degree felony inclusion in the bill is so important. It will allow our law enforcement to be able to focus on tracking down fighting rings.

What can people do to help you?
RR: Contact their legislators and tell them they support a statewide ban on cockfighting.

What are you going to do without cockfighting?
RR: Well, after I unshackle myself from these gaffs and detox from the drugs, I’m going to go strut my stuff around the barnyard.

Will The Fight Go On?

2007-01-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

On January 17, 2007, Senator Mary Jane Garcia (D-Dona Ana) introduced Senate Bill (SB) 10 to Prohibit Cockfighting in New Mexico. Eighty-one percent of New Mexicans who support a ban, wait with bated breath to see if this will be the last year for these cruel contests. SB10 was referred to the Senate Conservation and Senate Judiciary Committees and we are waiting for the hearing date to be set.

In the meantime, please go to www.WillTheFightGoOn.com to get updates, read about the issue and sign up for the e-mail list so that you'll be the first to know what's going on!

It is looking like it is going to be an exciting year for New Mexico's animals (political and otherwise) and we'll hopefully have a lot to "crow about!" Stay tuned for more updates!

The End

2006-02-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

The New Mexico Legislature ended their 2006 session last week and APV staff are nearly recovered.

The Animal Sheltering Services Act and the Land, Wildlife and Clean Energy Act were two APV priorities that failed to pass. Both bills lost traction on fiscal ground: The Animal Sheltering Services Act did not recieve the needed appropriation to operate the board that would have been created under the act, leaving the bill bogged down in the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. The Land, Wildlife and Clean Energy Act had its long-term, sustainable funding mechanism stripped from the bill by the legislature, essentially gutting the intent of the effort.

On a positive note, the legislature took aim at renegade hunters, barring computer-assisted hunting and providing for civil penalties for unlawful trophy hunting. It is expected that Governor Richardson will sign both of those measures.

Also on the governor's desk are two money bills that could benefit animals. The capital outlay bills--which funds "brick and mortar" projects from the severance tax--includes nearly $1 million for both stationary and mobile spay-neuter clinics and $2 million for local animal shelters and animal control agencies. The "junior" budget bill contains $400,000 for statewide spay-neuter projects. The governor has line-item veto power so the final amount awarded to the animals won't be known until he signs the bills.

Two memorials--non-binding legislation--also passed in support of animals. One requests the state department of public safety to create guidelines on evacuation of companion animals during disasters and the other requests improved wild horse management by both the state and federal government.

Thank you to all who contacted their legislators in support of animal protection legislation.

It's been a busy week...

2006-02-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Animal Sheltering Services Act makes strides.

SB 122 passed the House Judiciary Committee last night. The bill was the last heard by the committee and the only one they heard after their dinner break. A number of friendly-amendments were passed by the committee, mostly addressing language in the violations section the committee felt was too vague to be enforced.

These amendments mean that once the bill passes the full House, it needs to get concurance from the Senate on the changes made in the House. Before we get there, the bill must be addressed by House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the full House. It is a time crunch, considering the session ends on noon on Thursday...but not impossible!

Horses also made strides with SM 2

The Senate unanimously approved this effort to improve management of wild horses in the state. It requests the federal government to look at improving management of wild horse herds and to develop tourism programs at national wild horse territories and other wild horse ranges in the state.

Cyberhunting Blocked

A bill to ban computer-assisted hunting has passed both the Senate and the House and will soon be signed into law. New Mexico's Wild Friends did a great job of lobbying this bill and explaining what cyberhunting really is--remote killing of wildlife. SB 157 passed both chambers unanimously.

Spay-Neuter Funding

The House passed the junior budget bill, SB 414, with an amendment to include $400,000 for statewide spay-neuter programs. The bill now goes for Senate approval of the many changes made by the House. Money for addressing the dog and cat overpopulation crisis has wide support, so we are hopeful that the money will be contained in the final version of the bill.

Animal Sheltering Services Bill Passes Senate

2006-02-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

It was no surprise that the Animal Sheltering Services Act, SB 122, passed the Senate with no opposition today. This is the third time it has passed that body and the second where it was unanimous. (the first year there were some politically motivated opposing votes).

The bill now goes to the House, which has already begun to discuss the issue...kind of. HB 227 was passed by the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee with no discussion. During a short session like this, the legislators often focus on discussing matters that need discussing and simply passing those that have universal approval. Everyone knows that our animal shelters are overwhelmed with homeless dogs and cats and need support.

The Senate also passed SB 157 which prohibits computer assisted hunting. Again, an easy issue. No one thinks you should be able to log onto your computer and kill an animal. Plus, the Wild Friends are behind this and that group of young people is a lobbying force to be reckoned with. Hopefully there are a few future legislators among them!

Then there are those so-called controversial issues, like cockfighting. Senate Rules Committee had told us SM 10, declaring cockfighting the state disgrace, would be on the agenda for Monday morning. Well, it wasn't and isn't on the agenda for Wednesday either. Please help us by calling the committee and asking for a hearing date. The number is 986-4746.

Cockfighting Hearing Coming Up!

2006-01-31T22:42:00.000-07:00

SM 10, Delcaring cockfighting the state disgrace, will be heard by Senate Rules Committee on Monday, February 6th at 8:30 am in room 321. Please show your support by either attending the hearing or contacting the committee members.

Follow this link, http://legis.state.nm.us/lcs/committeedisplay.asp?CommCode=SRC, then click on the legislator's name to access his/her phone number. Senator John Grubesic is the vice chair of the committee and sponsor of this measure.

The animals are having a good session with a number of very quick hearings this week.

The Animal Sheltering Services Act, HB 227, had a successful hearing today in House Consumer and Public Affairs before being passed unanimously. Sponsor Joni Gutierrez takes the bill to House Appropriations and Finance next.

Rep. McCoy's memorial on animal evacuation planning passed House Government and Urban Affairs and is now on the House Calendar. It could be voted on by the full House on Wednesday. Since it is only a House memorial, not a joint memorial, it doesn't have to go the Senate.

SB 157, the bill to ban internet hunting, passed Senate Conservation and is on its way to Senate Judiciary. A number of people I've talked to about the bill haven't realized that real animals are killed in this activity and that it is not some sort of virtual hunting computer game.

The Land, Wildlife and Clean Energy Act is charging ahead as well. SB 407 was heard by Senate Conservation today and passed on with no reccomendation. The committee members were concerned about a lack of legislative oversight on the spending of the estimated $10 million by the proposed bill and hoped that the sponsor could work out that issue as it goes to its next committee, Senate Finance. The committee members also appeared a bit shocked by the wide consensus on the bill from groups that often are at opposition (oil & gas industry, agriculture, environmentalists, and so on). The hearing room was packed full of supporters! The House version of the bill is heard by House Taxation and Revenue Committee on Wednesday afternoon.

Go Bears!

2006-01-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

HB 252, Bear-Proof Containers, won the approval of the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee today. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Kathy McCoy at the request of the Department of Game and Fish, and the department head Bruce Thompson was there today to advocate for he bill. Committee members agreed on the need to be pro-active in reducing human-wildlife conflicts, but wondered if more money is needed for designated communitites to purchase the bear-proof trash containers. There was however, a light moment in the hearing, during audience testimony when someone questioned the bills public notification provisions--he wanted to make sure the bears were getting notified too! HB 252 goes to the House Government and Urban Affairs Committee.

A bill that would have allowed the Chiropractic Board to promulage regulations for non-human patients, SB 202, was tabled in the Senate Public Affairs Committee today. While it is important to have rules in place for chiropractic treatment of animals, the bill was in direct conflict with the current Veterinary Practice Act. The Vet Board and the Chiropractic Board will need to work this issue out collaboratively.

Next up for the animals is HM 2 relating to animal evacuations in disaters. That will be Saturday at 8:30 am in the House Government and Urban Affairs Committee.

On Sunday, House Business and Industry Committee will hear a new version of the Land, Wildlife and Clean Energy Act at 1:30 pm. A substitute bill has been prepared to include input from a number of stakeholders. The coalition of groups backing this bill carefully weighed all proposed amendments and worked those that maintain the integrity of the bill into the new language, in conjuction with the sponsor, Rep. Ken Martinez, and the Governor's office.

The hearing on HB 227, the House version of the Animal Sheltering Services Act, has been moved to Tuesday morning at 8:30 in room 310.

Things are moving Quickly

2006-01-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who attended our lobby day on Wednesday. You made a great impression on a number of legislators. Press coverage was wonderful as well, thanks to our spokesdog Buster. A large photo of Buster and House Majority Chief of Staff Helga Schimkat appeared in the Albuquerque Journal, and Matt Grubbs with Channel 7 did an amazing story on the Animal Sheltering Services Act.

A special thanks to all our leglative champions who attended our press conference: Rep. Ken Martinez, Sen. Mary Jane Garcia, Sen. John Grubesic, Rep. Kathy McCoy and Rep. Joni Gutierrez.

Also on Wednesday, the Animal Sheltering Services Act, SB 122, passed the Senate Judicary Committee unanimously. Senator Richard Martinez was especially supportive as he had received a call just the day before from an out-of-state woman who had visited the Espanola animal shelter and had some concerns. Like many shelters in the state, they are facing a huge overpopulation challenge and doing what they can given their resources. The Animal Sheltering Services Board, which will be created by this law, would help shelters to address those types of problems. Senator Rod Adair found that the bill's provisions for training and licensing those that must euthanize homeless dogs and cats would help shelters in his district reduce the number of animals brought there from outlying areas to be euthanized. There was no opposition to the bill during the hearing. Next, sponsor Senator Mary Jane Garcia, takes the bill to the Senate Finance Committee.

Over on the House side, HB 227, a mirror of SB 122, goes before the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee on Tuesday afternoon in room 315.

HB 252, which addresses the need for bear-proof trash containers in certain parts of the state, will be heard by the House Energy and Natural Resouces Commitee on Friday at 8:30 am in room315.

HM 2, a memorial concerning the evacuation of companion animals during disasters, is up before the House Government and Urban Affairs Commitee on Saturday at 8:30 am in room 324.

Both HB 252 and HM 2 are sponsored by Representative Kathy McCoy.

The Land, Wildlife and Clean Energy Act was scheduled for a hearing in House Business & Industry Committee today, but the committee decided to hold the bill, HB 188, over until Sunday. There are a number of proposed changes, as many different constituencies weigh in...

We hope to have a hearing soon for SM 10, a measure declaring cockfighting the state disgrace. It's generated a lot of talk around the Roundhouse!

Capitol Re-Cap--the first week

2006-01-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

Week One--Introductions
During this first week of the session, we’ve been focusing on getting our bills introduced.
Nearly all of APV’s priority bills have been introduced and our website will have the updated information up very soon. In the meantime, here is a quick summary:

Animal Sheltering Services Act: SB 122 sponsored by Senator Mary Jane Garcia and HB 227 sponsored by Representative Joni Gutierrez. We hope that these bills will have hearings scheduled within a week.

Cockfighting as the State Disgrace: SM 10 sponsored by Senator John Grubesic. This is our fun way of reminding legislators about the cockfighting issue during a session where the bill to ban the bloodsport can’t be introduced.

Spay-Neuter Awareness Month: HJM 13 sponsored by Representative Ken Martinez. This memorial is on the speaker’s table, meaning it can come up for a full House vote at anytime; there will be no committee hearings. APV is also working with other advocates on a funding package for spay-neuter efforts in the state. We’ll have more to report on that later.

Animal Disaster Planning: HM 2 sponsored by Representative Kathy McCoy.

Conservation Funding—Land, Wildlife and Clean Energy Act: HB 188 sponsored by Representative Ken Martinez. It has a hearing scheduled in House Business and Industry Committee on Thursday. A senate version is expected to be introduced today, sponsored by Senator Michael Sanchez.

Week Two—Advocacy Day
Wednesday, January 25th is APV’s 2nd annual lobby day. We invite all animal advocates to join us between 9 am and 3 pm in the capitol rotunda. We’ll have info on all the bills and will be available to answer questions and help you lobby the lawmakers in support of animal protection. APV will also hold a press conference at 11 am.

APV staff will also spend this week letting legislators know what’s on our agenda for the session and working to get our bills scheduled for their committee hearings. As the session progresses, we’ll be blogging more info about what we are doing and how you can help.

Welcome to Animal Protection Voters

2006-01-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

The Political Animals are ready to swarm the Roundhouse as New Mexico's legislative session convenes on January 17th. Animal Protection Voters will be there with an animal-friendly agenda, including bills to improve animal sheltering, address companion animal overpopulation, provide the state with a wildlife conservation legacy and remind lawmakers that cockfighting is our state disgrace.

We'll be using this blog to provide more detailed updates on what's happening at the state capitol than you will find on our e-alerts. So please visit us regularly!