New legislative session calls for new tools & renewed energy for animals
By Jessica Johnson, APV Chief Legislative Officer
Monday, Jan. 18, 2016
Yesterday marked the first day of the 2016 state legislative session. To commemorate the beginning of this year’s animal protection efforts in the state capitol, we can think of no better day launching a new Animal Protection Voters blog called “Animals in the Roundhouse,” featured on a brand new APV website, and with a renewed focus and energy for our cause.
Why a blog? Sometimes it will be the quickest way to get breaking news and urgent action requests to New Mexico’s animal advocates. It’s also a great platform to go in-depth on the most pressing issues facing our state’s animals, the people who care about them, and what needs to be done about them. It will give us an opportunity to highlight the champions for animal protection in the Roundhouse, as well as the tremendous positive impacts that the laws we passed have on communities across our state.
The 2016 session is a “short session”—just 30 days long—which is limited only to budget issues and requests by the Governor on her call. So some of last year’s legislation, like the coyote killing contest ban and the restriction on traps and poisons on public lands, will have to wait until 2017’s long session. But animal protection supporters in New Mexico have plenty to advocate for in 2016.
APV’s mission this year is ensuring critical state programs that help animals and our communities can operate through the next fiscal year and are funded enough to be successful. We will continue to seek support for the Companion Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) program, which provides temporary safe havens for animals of domestic violence victims at zero or low cost, and is run by Animal Protection of New Mexico in partnership with the NM Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Even after state funding was secured in 2014 and 2015, it is beyond clear that more is needed meet the substantial need in our state. Studies show that up to 65% of domestic violence victims delay leaving an abusive environment or reporting their situation because they don’t want to leave their beloved animals in harm’s way. APV will also be working to ensure our state’s animal shelters and licensed horse rescues in all corners of the state have access to important resources, spay/neuter support, and emergency assistance.
Beyond funding efforts during the 2016 session, APV is preparing to be a driving force behind other bills that aim to address some of the most serious problems resulting in animal abuse and neglect in our state. We will also stay vigilant to stop any anti-animal bills in their tracks.
Are you ready to get involved and make a difference for animals this year? The best first step is to read our 2015 Scorecard, which reports on every single New Mexico legislator’s vote on legislation affecting the wellbeing of animals—helping animal advocates, like you, to see how your state representative and state senator measure up against everyone else. Then make your voice heard. Reach out to your legislators to let them know you saw their Animal Protection Score—thank them for their good votes, and ask them about their reasoning behind their bad votes to see if there’s additional information you can give them. Animals cannot lobby for themselves, so it’s up to you to speak up for them!
Stay tuned for more legislative developments over the next 29 days. Thanks, New Mexico!
