Join us on February 10, 2026, at the New Mexico State Capitol for an advocacy-filled day that will allow you to make your voice heard on behalf of animals.
Together, we can make New Mexico a better place for animals.
Join us on February 10, 2026, at the New Mexico State Capitol, for an advocacy-filled day that will allow you to make your voice heard on behalf of animals.
- 9 am – 10 am: Check-in for the day will take place at our Santa Fe Office (located at 1111 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe 87501) where we will provide delicious plant-based pastries and coffee.
- 10 am – 10:45 am: Presentation on Animal Protection Voters 2026 Legislative priorities.
- 11:00 am – 11:15 am: Walk together to the Capitol to take a group photo.
- 11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Join us in the Rotunda for the Animal Protection Lobby Day press conference.
- Finally, after the press conference concludes, everyone will break out and distribute their letters to their legislators!
By engaging with legislators and supporting pro-animal bills, you have the power to make humane the new normal in New Mexico.
Saving the Affordable Spay/Neuter Law
New Mexico enacted the Affordable Spay/Neuter Law in 2020, which took effect in 2021. The law collects fees on registered dog and cat food and treats sold in our state to pay for desperately needed spay/neuter services.
The law was passed with a “repeal” date of July 1, 2026. Legislation removing the July 1, 2026 repeal date must pass in the 2026 session, or else the Affordable Spay/Neuter Law will expire. If that happens, New Mexico’s animals and communities will pay the price. Companion animal overpopulation is more than an “animal issue”—it’s a public health and safety concern. Roaming, intact animals will continue to reproduce, raising the risk of dog bites, vehicle collisions with loose dogs, and disease. Access to affordable spay/neuter is a vital community service all New Mexicans want and deserve, especially in rural, Tribal, and low-income areas.
If the Affordable Spay/Neuter Law expires, New Mexico’s animal shelters will face an increased struggle to curb companion animal overpopulation and euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals. As overcrowding rises, the tax dollars that sustain municipal shelters will be spent not only on daily operations but on addressing the high costs associated with euthanizing animals for lack of space.
Funding CARE to Help People with Companion Animals Escape Domestic Violence
Since 2000, the Companion Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) has operated a helpline that connects domestic violence survivors with secure temporary emergency housing and care for their companion animals. CARE also supports New Mexico’s domestic violence shelters by helping them become animal-inclusive through providing detailed site visits, recommendations and training, supplies and materials, and long-term planning support so survivors and their pets can remain together and heal in a healthy, safe environment.
For years, the State of New Mexico has believed and invested in CARE services, operated by Animal Protection New Mexico. Currently, APNM contracts with the state to provide CARE services. The State Legislature must provide adequate funding for CARE services to domestic violence survivors in the upcoming 2026 legislative session, or CARE services will be put at risk.
Promoting the Humane Management of Free-Roaming Horses
Free-roaming horses are treasured icons of New Mexico. But in some areas of the state, their presence is increasingly dangerous for horses and the people who encounter them. Lack of forage and water leads to horses suffering and starving. Horses on the search for food and water sometimes damage private property and come into conflict with impacted communities. Some have even been tragically killed by vehicles while crossing roadways.
In 2025, House Bill 284 would have improved the current state law governing the treatment of free-roaming horses in New Mexico. The bill passed both the House and the Senate but was ultimately pocket vetoed by the Governor. In the coming session, Animal Protection Voters will continue working to pass legislation outlining a framework for responsible science-based population control and humane treatment of free-roaming horses.
Strengthen the Safety Net for Vulnerable Equines
New Mexico faces unique and growing challenges concerning equines (horses, donkeys, and mules), including keeping homeless and abused horses from entering the slaughter pipeline through safe placement with registered equine shelters and rescues.
Several nonprofit equine shelters currently assist the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB) and other law enforcement agencies, by taking in and caring for impounded or seized equines. The NMLB disburses money from the Equine Shelter Rescue Fund (ESRF) to the equine shelters to help defray some of the costs associated with caring for those animals. But state funding to the ESRF has been inconsistent since it was established in 2013. Creating an Equine Welfare Trust Fund (a growth fund) would generate earnings to flow to the ESRF, which would in turn improve the safety net for New Mexico’s most vulnerable equines.
Animal Protection Lobby Day Parking Instructions
Parking at the APNM office is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you arrive and find that there are no available spots, we recommend the free public parking garage located a quarter of a mile away, next to the Capitol Building. Please follow these steps to reach that location.
If you have access to Google Maps or a similar navigation tool:
- Enter the following into the navigation program: State Capitol Parking Facility, 485 Galisteo St., Santa Fe, NM 87501
If you DO NOT have access to Google Maps or a similar navigation tool:
- Starting from our office, located at 1111 Paseo de Peralta, you will turn left out of our parking lot to get back onto Paseo de Peralta.
- From our office, drive approximately one quarter of a mile until you get to W Manhattan St.
- Go right on W Manhattan St.
- Next you will turn right onto Galisteo St.
- The Visitor entrance to the State Capitol Parking Facility will be on your immediate right once you turn onto Galisteo St.
- See the Visitor entrance to the parking garage (pictured below.)
Every voice and every donation can make a positive difference. If you believe in the work we’re doing to pass animal protection legislation, please consider making a gift. Your support powers real progress for animals across the state.
Interested in having your business partner with us for this event?
Please contact Grace Montaño Irwin at grace@apnm.org or call us at (505)526-4513.
Donations to Animal Protection Voters (a 501(c)(4) organization) are not tax deductible but help us create positive and lasting change for New Mexico’s animals.
Thank You, Sponsors
