Not a single accomplishment won through the legislative process is easy—and sometimes, the fight for animals continues even after initially declaring victory. A prime example is Animal Protection Voters’ tireless efforts to strengthen the safety net for homeless and abused horses and other equines in New Mexico. APV’s efforts span well over a decade, and […]
2024 Legislative Session Recap: A Mixture of Unmet Needs & Gratitude
With your support, we’ve laid a strong groundwork for the future—and there is so much more to do. The legislative process in New Mexico is never easy, especially in “short” thirty-day legislative sessions. They present very little time to get a new policy or funding passed, with a lot of competing political interests and issues […]
As the Halfway Point Approaches, the 2024 Legislative Session Holds Promise for Animals
Multiple pro-animal bills passed their first hurdle—but there’s a long way still to go and only 16 days left. The second full week of the 2024 state legislative session is finishing up, and we are heartened that several key bills for animals have made initial progress. Resources to Enhance Animal Welfare and Protect Communities House […]
Let’s Get Ready for the 2024 New Mexico Legislative Session
In just thirty short days, a lot is possible for the animals. Next Tuesday, January 16th, the 2024 New Mexico legislative session will kick off! On even-numbered years, like this year, the session is considered a “short session,” where New Mexico lawmakers have just 30 days to conduct business. During these short sessions, the State […]
Lawsuit to Overturn Roxy’s Law Is Trappers’ Desperate Attempt to Hold On to Cruelty
Fur trappers want to defy the will of a majority of New Mexicans in court Photo of Roxy, who strangled to death in a snare set on public land by a trapper in 2018. Yesterday, news broke that fur-trapping organizations have filed a lawsuit to try to overturn the Wildlife Conservation & Public Safety Act. (Photo of Roxy by Kathrina Clark)
The 2023 State Legislative Session: Animal Legislation Recap
By the close of the 2023 state legislative session, the New Mexico Legislature had passed 246 pieces of legislation on myriad topics, which then headed to the Governor’s desk for her final action. Here is what happened to the bills that would affect animals. POLICY BILLS PASSED AND SIGNED INTO LAW Senate Bill 215 [...]
VICTORY! Animal protection bills have been signed by the Governor!
It is done: The bill to criminalize sexual abuse of animals has been signed into law! Yesterday, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 215, unanimously approved by the New Mexico Legislature, into law—which means effective June 16, 2023, bestiality will finally be illegal in New Mexico. We are grateful to all of the policymakers, [...]
The 2023 State Legislative Wins for Animals!
The 2023 state legislative session is over! Here’s an overview of what was accomplished in the Legislature this year for New Mexico’s animals (but still needs the Governor’s signature to become law). POLICY BILLS PASSED! Senate Bill 215 (Establish Crime of Bestiality) APV priority bill SB 215 will make it a fourth-degree felony to commit bestiality; [...]
One Week Left: Animal Bills in a Race to the Finish Line
The final couple of weeks of the state legislative session is when bills need to move really fast to have a decent chance to make it all the way through the process. Of course, there’s enough time that almost anythingcan happen. With less than 7 days left to go, there are a few pieces of […]
Halfway Through—Here’s the Latest on the Legislative Session
With just over three weeks left in the 2023 legislative session, important animal protection legislation has made some progress, but there is still a long way to go. For some, it can feel like time might be running out for our bills. At the same time, experienced lobbyists in New Mexico know that a lot […]
