Urgently Seeking Resolutions of Support
from Municipalities and Counties

Protect animals surrounded by domestic violence

Ask your city or county to show support for the protection of animals in domestic violence situations.

Statistics show that in a high percentage of households in which domestic violence occurs, a family's companion animals also fall victim to threats and violence. New Mexico state law does not currently provide any mechanism to protect family animals or ensure their safe removal from these households. Very soon, however, Attorney General Gary King will present proposed legislation to the 2009 legislature to address the protection of companion animals affected by domestic violence situations.

Animal Protection Voters will actively support the Attorney General's animal protection proposals during the upcoming legislative session and we strongly encourage a show of local support for the AG's proposal, which will provide for family animals to be included in Orders of Protection. Animal Protection of New Mexico has already established a network of safe havens that can be called upon to assist with serving the needs of animals in such circumstances.

How can you help? We are seeking resolutions of support from municipalities and counties. Lincoln County, the City of Las Cruces, and Doña Ana County have all passed similar resolutions recently, thanks to the efforts of members in those communities. If you live in another county or city, please try to have a resolution passed in your area as soon as possible.

If you are interested in passing a resolution of support in your community, please email Community Programs Manager Leslie King: leslie@apvnm.org. It's a simple process and the more support that is shown by localities, the more likely this important legislation will become a reality. Together, we can do it.

Click here for a sample resolution you can take to your city or county for consideration.