It’s been an exciting week at the Roundhouse where multiple pro-animal bills made progress – but there’s still a long way to go in the remaining 43 days of the legislative session.
Eight Lawmakers Voted Unanimously to Create Sustainable Funding for New Mexico’s Dog and Cat Shelters, Rescues, and Humane Programs
We are thrilled to share that House Bill 113—sponsored by Rep. Lujan (HD 48), Rep. Szczepanski (HD 47), Rep. Sanchez (HD 40), Rep. Borrego (HD 17), Sen. Cervantes (SD 31), and cosponsored by Rep. Gonzales (HD 70) and Rep. Abeyta (HD 69)-passed its first committee hearing with flying colors! HB 113, which will establish an Animal Welfare Trust Fund, would add desperately needed funding to New Mexico’s animal care and control infrastructure.
Our deepest gratitude to newly added Co-Sponsor Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta, who gallantly stepped up to present HB 113 to the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee and successfully introduced an amendment ensuring that Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos would be eligible to apply for funding flowing from the Animal Welfare Trust Fund. The amendment passed unanimously.
Then, after compelling public testimony in support of HB 113, and probing questions from Rep. John Block (HD 51) about how the Animal Welfare Trust Fund would benefit rural areas and aid in the enforcement of animal cruelty laws, the committee voted unanimously 8-0 in favor of the bill. If your Representative serves on the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee, please thank them for voting “YES” to fund a more humane future for our animals and communities.
Bill Benefitting New Mexico’s Wildlife Moves Forward in the Senate
Senate Bill 5—sponsored by Sen. Campos (SD 8), Sen. Wirth (SD 25), Rep. McQueen (HD 50), Sen. Brantley (SD 35) and Rep. Small (HD 36)—will modernize wildlife management using science-based methods, stabilize the New Mexico Game Commission, and bring much needed funding to the Department of Game & Fish.
After passing out of the Senate Rules Committee (SRC) on January 27th, SB 5 was sent to the Senate Conservation Committee where it is scheduled to be heard on Saturday, February 8th. Animal Protection Voters will again join with a broad coalition in showing avid support for SB 5.
House Bill 284 Will Help Pave the Way for Humane Management of Free-Roaming Horses
House Bill 284 —sponsored by Sen. Woods (SD 7) and Rep. McQueen (HD 50) —was introduced on Wednesday February 5th, and will first be heard in the House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Committee. We are hopeful a hearing on the bill will be scheduled soon.
HB 284 fixes gaps and irregularities in current law that are preventing the protection and humane management of free-roaming horse herds in New Mexico. HB 284 would allow local governments to take the lead on free-roaming horse protection and management by working with qualified experts registered with the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB).
Hearing For “Ivy’s Law” to Expand Protections for Missing Qualified Service Animals During Emergencies
House Bill 111—sponsored by Rep. Marian Matthews (HD 27)—also known as Ivy’s Law, would increase protections for qualified service animals during emergencies. Once notified by the owner, trainer, or handler that a service animal is missing, first responders would be required to make a reasonable effort to search for the animal during emergencies.
HB 111 is assigned to the House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee and was previously scheduled for a hearing on February 6th. HB 111 was rescheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, February 11th, and Animal Protection Voters will attend the hearing to speak up in favor of passing Ivy’s Law.
Coming Soon: Legislation Creating an Equine Welfare Trust Fund to Benefit Homeless and Vulnerable Equines in New Mexico
Within days we expect to see a bill introduced that would create the Equine Welfare Trust Fund, an investment fund that will generate earnings to help care for homeless and abused equines in New Mexico. Annual distributions from the Equine Welfare Trust Fund would flow to the existing Equine Shelter Rescue Fund, which is administered by the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB). The NMLB would then award funds through contracts with qualified equine shelters to care for needy equines at those facilities.
When the NMLB seizes equines in cruelty cases, or impounds abandoned equines, they rely on the network of registered non-profit equine shelters to care for and rehabilitate those animals. The Equine Welfare Trust Fund will help ensure a more sustainable source of funding for these shelters that provide crucial services to the state of New Mexico.
With 43 days left to the 60-day session, we’re not letting up.
We’re on a quest to secure funding for animal care infrastructure, ensure humane management of free-roaming horses, and establish greater protections for wildlife and qualified service animals. We’re also speaking up to support bills that clamp down on organized animal fighting and bring greater protections to animals caught up in domestic violence. Stay with us, watch this space for continued updates, and thank you for your continued support!
