As the end of 2024 is approaching, we are reflecting on all of this year’s achievements and progress won to protect animals in New Mexico, as well as feeling gratitude to all those who make our work possible. The winter holidays provide the perfect time to pause, recharge, and spend time with loved ones before […]
In a positive step toward releasing hundreds of thousands of dollars of critical funding, last month the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine (NMBVM) adopted rules for disbursing state spay/neuter funds, including money brought in by the law established by Senate Bill 57. SB 57—known as New Mexico’s “Affordable Spay/Neuter Law”—was signed into law by […]
Since the adjournment of the 2024 session last February, Animal Protection Voters has been working diligently on several bills, including legislation focused on establishing long-term, sustained funding streams available for animal programs and projects across the state. Below is a preview of legislation that we hope to see introduced in the 2025 session. Establishing an […]
In November, animal advocates, together with New Mexico State Representative Marian Matthews (HD 27) gathered, at El Oso Grande Park in Albuquerque to celebrate the life of Ivy, a 14-year-old black Lab. Animal Protection Voters was honored to attend at the invitation of Representative Matthews. Last July, Ivy, a service dog for Ms. Rose Romero, […]
Last month, APV published our endorsements and sent out our 2024 General Election Voter Guide so you would know which candidates for the New Mexico State Legislature and the New Mexico seats in the U.S. Congress are champions for animals. The General Election results are now in, and we are thrilled to announce: 95% of […]
When working to pass laws to protect animals, there are many important steps. Drafting strong bill language, collecting data, and developing strong arguments in favor of the policy, to name a few. But it actually starts at the ballot box. Without humane-minded lawmakers filling the seats in our legislative bodies, it’s so much harder to […]
Photo by Mattie Allen, courtesy of Española Humane. Three months ago, Animal Protection Voters and Española Humane united to file a motion to intervene in a lawsuit brought by the pet industry challenging Senate Bill 57, a crucial affordable spay/neuter law passed in 2020. We are thrilled to announce that Honorable Judge Matthew Wilson granted [...]
Last month, APV published our endorsements and sent out our 2024 Primary Voter Guide so you would know which of New Mexico’s legislators are champions for animals. The Primary results are now in, and we are thrilled to announce: 97% of the 73 candidates we endorsed won their Primary races and will move on to [...]
Primary Election Day is June 4th — but did you know that you can vote early? That’s right, early voting starts on May 7th in New Mexico! Humane laws and policies start with your vote. As an animal advocate, you want to vote for elected officials who will best champion animal protection policies and needs. Animal Protection [...]
The Lawsuit Threatening Spay/Neuter in New Mexico—and What We Are Doing to Fight It You have long known that the answer to stopping the unnecessary killing of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats in New Mexico is straightforward: affordable, accessible spay/neuter services. But without adequate spay/neuter funding, New Mexico has been fighting a never-ending uphill battle. [...]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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)
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 [...]
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 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; [...]
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 […]
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 […]
As we enter the fourth week of the New Mexico legislative session, things are definitely in full gear. Several more pieces of priority animal protection legislation have been introduced, and the committee hearing process is moving along swiftly. We thank everyone who attended this year’s Animal Protection Lobby Day to support these bills! Last week, […]
The 2023 state legislative session is already proving to be one of the biggest and busiest sessions in recent years, when it comes to animal protection policies. Just over a week into the session, Animal Protection Voters staff and lobbyists are already tracking or lobbying on 17 pieces of legislation. Here are some of the […]
The State Legislature convened once again on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 for its “long” 60-day session—the biannual opportunity to approve new laws or change old ones, impacting the lives of everyone in New Mexico. While some pieces of legislation have already been filed, most bills are still being developed and finalized before being introduced. That […]
Animal Protection Voters is thrilled to announce an 89% success rate in our endorsements. (HD 68 remains too close to call, but if humane candidate Charlotte Little wins, our success rate climbs to over 92%!) We are excited to congratulate the following humane champions and are looking forward to collaborating with them to create a more […]
Marianne was out of town when she received a disturbing call from her ex-boyfriend: he had set her house on fire. By the time firefighters were able to extinguish the fire that morning, the house was full of smoke, Marianne’s bed had burned, and her beloved cat Misty was found dead. This nightmare scenario is […]
Right now, we have an amazing opportunity to chart the course for a more compassionate New Mexico. By casting your vote for humane legislators and policymakers, you can ensure we have the support needed to create lasting change for animals. Animal Protection Voters evaluates and endorses pro-animal candidates so you can feel confident casting your […]
October 11, 2022 Election Day is November 8—but did you know that you can vote now? That's right. As of today, October 11, early voting has already started in New Mexico! Humane laws and policies start with your vote. As an animal advocate, you want to vote for elected officials who will best champion animal [...]
Voters urged to support pro-animal candidate Raúl Torrez Santa Fe, N.M. – Animal Protection Voters (APV), New Mexico’s leading political and legislative advocacy organization for animal protection, announced its endorsement of Raúl Torrez for Attorney General in the 2022 New Mexico election. Torrez received APV’s endorsement based on past personal and professional activity involving animal [...]
September 19, 2022 It’s almost time to make your voice heard for animals—at the ballot box! Every two years, the landscape for future animal protection policies changes in New Mexico, when voters elect or re-elect candidates to political office with the power to pass or defeat important legislation. And voting truly matters. Every single piece [...]
July 12, 2022 Friday, July 15th, is National 'I Love Horses' Day, which makes this the perfect time to celebrate this year's big win for horses (and their equine relatives) in the New Mexico State Legislature, and thank the individuals who made this humane outcome possible. At the top of Animal Protection Voters’ 2022 legislative [...]
Every kennel is full. Every single one. That is the reality for many of New Mexico’s animal shelters, who have seen a sharp uptick in the number of homeless dogs and cats coming through their doors during the past couple of years. What has caused this crisis? One key factor is that at the start [...]
Last month, we reached out to ask our strong supporters to help us raise $5,000 to support Animal Protection PAC’s efforts to fund the candidates for legislative and statewide office who will make the biggest positive impact for animals. Thanks to your generosity, we exceeded our fundraising goal! This is the first step in setting [...]
Laws & Paws 2022 Fundraiser April 1st–April 22nd 20 Years of Unstoppable Victories for Animals! Let’s celebrate together while looking forward to the next 20 years of victories for animals. In the past 20 years, Animal Protection Voters has: Banned cockfighting Prohibited horse tripping events Banished traps, poisons, and snares from public land Secured funding to [...]
Originally published by the Albuquerque Journal, March 31, 2022 (link) By Jessica Johnson, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Animal Protection Voters Roxy. Photo courtesy of her family. With warmer weather, many of us are reaching for our hiking boots, backpacks, and dog leashes – and we can finally breathe a little easier. That’s because, as of [...]
March 10, 2022 Photo: Shutterstock APRIL 2022 UPDATE: THE GOVERNOR SIGNED A SUBSEQUENT BILL IN A SPECIAL SESSION THAT APPROVED THIS FUNDING FOR THE HORSE SHELTER RESCUE FUND! LEARN MORE HERE From the start of the 2022 state legislative session, Animal Protection Voters focused on the dire need for increased state support and funding for [...]
March 5, 2022 Photo courtesy: Classy Earlier this week, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law House Bill 56 (HB 56), a bill that will extend temporary permits from sixty day to six months for out-of-state veterinarians providing services to nationally accredited zoos & aquariums. This change will make it easier for animals in these [...]
March 4, 2022 Photo courtesy: NMDOG On the evening of Wednesday, March 2, 2022, to a standing-room-only crowd, the Valencia County Board of Commissioners heard and voted on an animal control ordinance revision proposal that will greatly improve the daily lives of the community’s animals. Animal Protection Voters was honored to play a role in [...]
February 17, 2022 The 2022 New Mexico legislative session wrapped up today at noon. Nothing short of a whirlwind, this year’s session saw the introduction of hundreds of pieces of legislation, some of which would impact animals in New Mexico and beyond. On the whole, there was wide cross-party support for animal-friendly legislation—although, given the [...]
February 10, 2022 There is just one week left in the 2022 thirty-day legislative session, which focuses primarily on budgetary and fiscal matters, but there are still a few animal-related legislative measures in the mix. From zoo elephants, to shelter dogs and cats, to endangered wolves—here are the latest updates on how animals may be [...]
February 2, 2022 On Tuesday, January 18th, our 112 New Mexico state legislators gathered at the Roundhouse, to kick off the 2022 New Mexico legislative session. On even-numbered years like this, New Mexico lawmakers meet for a 30-day “short session” where the focus is constrained to budgets, financial appropriations, and a limited number of items [...]
January 12, 2022 There are just a few days left before the New Mexico State Legislature convenes for its 30-day state legislative session, and a lot of focus right now is on the 112 state representatives and state senators who serve in the Legislature, tasked with considering and voting on legislation. But did you know [...]
March 19, 2021 After more than a decade of work—battling a slew of misinformation and fear-mongering from opposition every step of the way, but supported by the majority of New Mexicans—the New Mexico State Legislature passed legislation to ban traps, snares, and poisons on public lands. The final week of the 2021 state legislative session [...]
March 11, 2021 With just nine days left of the 2021 state legislative session in New Mexico, it's a race to the finish line for some animal-related bills, while others appear stuck in committees where it is uncertain whether they will receive a vote. But a lot of progress has happened quickly in just the [...]
February 24, 2021 The New Mexico state legislative session is now over halfway done. While animal protection bills are still progressing, the process has slowed as we enter the back half—in part because of bottlenecks in committee schedules, and in part because some bills are relatively new and facing due (but lengthy) consideration and debate [...]
February 16, 2021 All of us at Animal Protection Voters extend our heartfelt wishes that every New Mexican—including their animals—is staying warm and safe amidst the winter weather that has struck our region over the past few days. Despite the storms, the work of the New Mexico State Legislature has powered forward, and multiple bills impacting [...]
February 10, 2021 Earlier today, during the New Mexico Senate's floor meeting, the committee report for Senate Bill (SB) 32 (the Wildlife Conservation & Public Safety Act, also known as Roxy's Law, to ban traps, snares, and poisons on public lands) was "read out," which activates the next committee—the Senate Judiciary Committee—to schedule and hear the bill. [...]
February 3, 2021 Roxy, a dog who tragically died in a neck snare set on public lands in 2018. Yesterday kicked off with the Senate Conservation Committee's third meeting of this year, and this time Senate Bill 32 (the Wildlife Conservation & Public Safety Act, also known as Roxy's Law) was first up on the committee [...]
January 26, 2021 Last night, much of New Mexico enjoyed some winter precipitation, and we awoke to beautiful white snow blanketing the world outside our homes. It was a bittersweet reminder of the gorgeous thick fur coats that many wild animals grow to stay warm during the colder months, and how that fur is stolen [...]
January 19, 2021 Today at noon, the New Mexico State Legislature convened for the 2021 state legislative session—and it's shaping up to be one unlike any other in history. As always, we will do our best to keep you updated on crucial animal-related legislation throughout the session, including through regular blog posts. Thank you in [...]
December 10, 2020 2020 has been a painful year. The beginning of trapping season here in New Mexico is following the same awful pattern. High profile incidents in the news have proven, once again, that traps on public lands are a serious threat to public safety and animals and they need to go. We hope [...]
August 25, 2020 Did you know: After five years of spay/neuter funding cycles, after passing a new law just like Senate Bill 57, the state of Maryland reported a 22% increase in adoptions and other "live release" of dogs and cats in their animal shelters... but their intake numbers stayed the same? That's because the [...]
May 4, 2020 Every two years, the landscape for future animal protection policies changes in New Mexico, when voters elect or re-elect candidates to political office with the power to pass or defeat important legislation. Another opportunity for change is upon us. The future of legislation—like "Roxy's Law" to crack down on traps, snares and [...]
April 13, 2020 Almost every part of our lives has been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Like many of you, Animal Protection Voters staff all continue to physically distance and work from home for the sake of our fellow New Mexicans, and we send our heartfelt thoughts to all those who have personally been affected [...]
February 20, 2020 The last week of the 2020 state legislative session was a whirlwind, and today at noon it came to a close—but not before some ground-breaking progress for New Mexico's animals was made. During a short 30-day session, a bill's only hope is if it moves quickly. Senate Bill 57, the affordable spay/neuter [...]
February 14, 2020 Valentine's Day might be a day about love, but the emotion felt by New Mexico animal advocates today was cautious hope that multiple pro-animal bills may cross the finish line in the 2020 state legislative session. In the final days of the session, there is a chance to pass into law measures impacting animals [...]
February 9, 2020 There are just 11 days left of this year's 30-day state legislative session, and time is running out to make progress on pro-animal bills. Often the key to bills' advancement in the legislature is the collective voice of grassroots advocates like you. Please join us on Thursday, February 13, for Animal Protection [...]
February 1, 2020 Last week saw progress on several important animal protection bills, including the vital legislation to help New Mexico dramatically reduce our overpopulation and euthanasia of homeless dogs and cats. Keep reading to learn more about what’s happened so far, and what’s next. On Tuesday, the Senate Conservation Committee approved Senate Bill 33 (by […]
January 28, 2020 It’s been one whole week since the start of the 2020 state legislative session here in New Mexico, and the pace is starting to pick up. This year’s session is a short 30 days and limited mostly to budget and fiscal issues, except when the Governor has allowed specific bills by placing […]
March 18, 2019 The 2019 New Mexico legislative session ended at noon on Saturday, March 16th. In the final few days of the session, the status of Animal Protection Voters’ priority bills became much clearer. After frantic and determined activity by legislators and advocates pushing hundreds of other bills, we’re now celebrating the passage of […]
February 27, 2019 With less than three weeks to go in the 2019 legislative session, Animal Protection Voters’ priority bills continue to gain steam, but each bill still must clear several more hurdles. Here is where these important animal-related bills currently stand, and what happened in the past 11 days: Senate Bill (SB) 367: […]
February 18, 2019 Wild horses are treasured symbols of the American West, and their presence in New Mexico is cherished by many who live here. Unfortunately, not all community members appreciate wild horses, and years of conflict have put horses in terrible danger. Broken state law and consequences from litigation have placed wild horses at […]
February 16, 2019 Valentine’s Day marked the half-way point for New Mexico’s 2019 legislative session. At this juncture, every single one of our priority bills has passed at least one committee. But as you know, bills have to pass through both House and Senate committees and full chambers before they go to the Governor for […]
February 10, 2019 We’re at day 27 of 60 during this “long” New Mexico legislative session. Where do things stand for the crucial policies that literally affect the lives of so many New Mexico animals? Here’s an update. First and foremost, please know how very grateful Animal Protection Voters is to you for your tireless […]
What a night! The 2018 General Election was a watershed moment for New Mexico’s animals and all the compassionate voters who care about them. The prospect of seeing animal protection legislation pass the state legislature—and signed by the Governor—relies solely on whether the right policymakers hold office to take those positive, pro-animal actions. This year, […]
By the end of New Mexico’s primary election day—Tuesday, June 5, 2018—a little more than 27% of voters eligible to vote in the primary election had cast their ballots. And when voters went to the ballots, it’s clear that animal protection was one of the issues they kept front of mind. Animal Protection Voters and […]
Last week, the New Mexico Legislature approved House Bill 64, a bill that will create a new funding mechanism for statewide low-cost spay/neuter services by charging dog and cat food & treat manufacturers an annual fee for each product they register in New Mexico. Registration is required in order to ensure the safety of dog [...]
By Jessica Johnson, APV Chief Legislative Officer Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2017 The 2017 New Mexico legislative session concluded a couple of weeks ago—and once again, Animal Protection Voters was in the capitol building every single day, serving as the driving force behind bills to improve the lives of animals in our state. A lot happened over [...]
By Laura Bonar, APV Chief Program & Policy Officer Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 We’re in the middle of a so-called “long” New Mexico legislative session, working day and night on legislation to help animals all over our state: working to crack down on horrific animal cruelty and neglect, secure much-need funding for low-income spay/neuter services, and […]
“Dogs can’t add, and cats can’t subtract, but they both can multiply” By Lisa Jennings, APV Executive Director Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 Wow! Hats off to the caring New Mexicans who today took time from their jobs, families, and other commitments to come to Santa Fe to speak up for House Bill 123, sponsored by Rep. Carl […]
By Jessica Johnson, APV Chief Legislative Officer Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 Starting November 1 of last year—for the first time in nearly five decades—millions of acres of New Mexico’s private and state trust lands are now open to cougar trapping until March 31, 2017. This means everyone is at greater risk of stepping into cougar traps […]
By Jessica Johnson, APV Chief Legislative Officer Friday, Jan. 6, 2017 Karen Williams had just passed the 23-mile mark of a marathon organized in the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Several runners had already scaled the hill in front of her and continued on their way to the finish line. But when Karen reached the top, she […]
By Jessica Johnson, Chief Legislative Officer Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 From the outset of this election year, we knew that if we wanted to see important animal protections—particularly for wildlife—put in place in the near future, something big had to change in the New Mexico State Legislature on Election Day. Now that we know the […]
By Jessica Johnson, Chief Legislative Officer; and Leslie King, Program Director Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 Did you know: Bernalillo County voters have a golden opportunity in the upcoming November 8 general election to approve a bond measure that includes $1.5 million to solidify construction of the new Bernalillo County Animal Shelter? A YES VOTE on General Obligation Bond Question […]
By Lisa Jennings, Executive Director of Animal Protection Voters Tuesday, Sep. 27, 2016 Do you remember what happened in the New Mexico State Legislature last year? Bills to stop horrific coyote killing contests statewide and to ban cruel traps and poisons on New Mexico’s public lands died an abrupt death in the House Agriculture, Water & Wildlife Committee—a newly minted […]
The Equine Shelter Rescue Fund distributed nearly $30,000 this summer, after taxpayers stepped up to support an underserved segment of New Mexico’s shelter animals. By Jessica Johnson, APV Chief Legislative Officer Friday, Sep. 2, 2016 The “Land of Enchantment” is even more enchanting when we come together to protect and safeguard the animals that make this state unlike […]
New Mexico’s U.S. Senator Tom Udall’s historic bill includes language that will drastically reduce, maybe even eliminate in some cases, the use of animals in toxic chemical testing. By Jessica Johnson, APV Chief Legislative Officer Wednesday, Jun. 22, 2016 Believe it or not, the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that regulates the way companies test […]
By Jessica Johnson, APV Chief Legislative Officer Thursday, Jun. 9, 2016 We at Animal Protection Voters know that the vast majority of New Mexicans care about animals. The question is: does that translate to the ballot box? After last night’s New Mexico primary results, I’d say the answer is a resounding YES! In the fourteen contested primary […]
By Jessica Johnson, APV Chief Legislative Officer Tuesday, May 10, 2016 At Animal Protection Voters, we’re focused on the long game. The kind of systemic change we fight for to protect the animals in New Mexico doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why we value and cherish our supporters, who help us stay committed to our goals. Next […]
By Jessica Johnson, APV Chief Legislative Officer Tuesday, Apr. 5, 2016 Animal Protection Voters has been utilizing a new advocacy engagement platform that empowers you to take stronger action for animals in our state. However, as with the unpredictable nature of technology, it has come to our attention that some of our supporters are not getting […]
By Jessica Johnson, APV Chief Legislative Officer Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2016 A trap set to catch cougars doesn’t know how to only catch cougars. Obviously. This truth—that traps and snares are indiscriminate and dangerous—has been driven home time and time again. It feels like the 2015-2016 trapping season has been the most destructive so far—with numerous [...]
By Jessica Johnson, APV Chief Legislative Officer Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2016 Another whirlwind of a state legislative session has come to a close, and several animal-related bills that passed the legislature still await action by Governor Martinez. Once we have a final outcome, we will publish a comprehensive look at what happened in the Roundhouse in […]
By Jessica Johnson, APV Chief Legislative Officer Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016 When citizens get involved in the legislative process, it doesn’t just feel great (although that’s definitely a huge perk). It actually makes a tangible difference, too. Want proof? Behold! With the help of advocates like you, last year’s House Bill 415 passed during the 2015 legislative session and […]
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 [...]
How Did Your Lawmakers Measure Up for Animals? Kick off the new year by analyzing last year’s votes—and get ready to lobby for New Mexico’s animals in 2016! Are you ready? The 2016 state legislative session – the 30-day "short session" that our state legislators have to pass legislation for year – is upon us! [...]
