Voters are urged to support the candidates who will do the best job of standing up for the protection of animals in their districts.
Download a PDF of the Press Release here.
Santa Fe, N.M. – Animal Protection Voters (APV), the leading political and legislative advocacy organization for animal protection in New Mexico, works via APV-PAC, its political action committee, to support humane candidates for elected office. APV-PAC announced today its endorsement of 19 candidates facing contested races in the primary election on June 7, and early endorsement of 56 candidates seeking election or re-election in the general election on November 8.
Incumbents won endorsements for consistently showing animal advocacy and leadership through votes and other actions in the state legislature. New challengers and candidates received endorsements based on their past activity involving animal issues, as well as their responses to a questionnaire on topics including wildlife protection, anti-whistleblower legislation, horse slaughter and funding for animal-related programs. APV-PAC endorsement decisions emphasized two APV priority bills expected to be reintroduced in the 2017 legislative session: a ban on coyote killing contests, and a ban on traps and poisons on public lands. A growing majority of New Mexicans oppose traps and killing contests as unethical and ineffective wildlife management and a danger to public safety.
“Most New Mexicans support stronger animal protection laws, and we are delighted to endorse a diverse, bipartisan slate of candidates who will represent the humane vision and values of their constituents,” said Jessica Johnson, Chief Legislative Officer for APV. “When we vote for humane lawmakers, we help ensure the passage of laws that not only protect animals, but also protect families, children and entire communities.”
APV-PAC will release additional endorsements for the general election at a later date.
New Mexicans appreciate legislators who value the role animals play in all our lives and believe the government should play an active role in ensuring that animals receive humane care and protection from cruelty and exploitation.
“New Mexico’s animals and the people who care about them deserve to have a voice in government, and APV is proud to be on the frontlines helping to create humane laws that protect us all,” Johnson explained. “Supporting APV-PAC endorsed candidates on Election Day is a powerful way to stand up for animals and make important, powerful changes in our communities.”
Animal Protection Voters is the political voice for people who care about animals. For more information about APV’s priority issues, legislation and scorecards, visit apvnm.org.
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Media Contact: Sara Palmer
Communications Director, APV
sara@apvnm.org
505-‐908-‐0622
APV Contact: Jessica Johnson
Chief Legislative Officer, APV
jessica@apvnm.org
505-‐220-‐6656
