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 was signed by the Governor to create a new tax donation check-off to benefit statewide spay/neuter programs.
Now, for the first time ever, New Mexicans can make a serious impact on the lives of dogs and cats across the state just by taking a simple action when filing their 2015 taxes.
Use your tax refund to support horse rescue shelters or spay-neuter programs! Use the PIT D when you file.
When policymakers put animal-friendly laws in place, we have to show them they did the right thing by utilizing those opportunities. Thanks to HB 415, you can now donate all or a portion of your state income tax return to the Animal Care and Facility Fund to provide low and no cost spay and neuter services across the state (line 14 on the PIT D form).
“The sad reality of unwanted litters and animal neglect is heartbreaking. A well-funded, statewide spay-neuter program would not only save these animals’ lives, but it can also save costs for families and communities.” – Misha Goodman, Bernalillo County Animal Services
Don’t forget, you can also use the form to contribute to another voluntary fund dear to our hearts: the Equine Shelter Rescue Fund (line 13 on the PIT D form).
“New Mexico’s homeless horses deserve a second chance. The Equine Shelter Rescue Fund helps the state equine rescues feed and care for our state’s unwanted horses.” – Sena Fitzpatrick, McKinley County Humane Society Equine Aid
Show the legislators who protect animals that their hard work wasn’t in vain. By donating to these two amazing causes — really, without even pulling a single penny out of your pocket — you prove that New Mexicans care about saving dogs and cats from needless suffering, and that we don’t want to see needy horses go without food or homes.
For more details, check out this press release issued by Animal Protection of New Mexico, then download a copy of the New Mexico PIT D form and fill it out!
Even if you’re not receiving a tax refund this year you can still contribute with a separate charitable gift:
Contributions to the Spay/Neuter Fund:
Make check payable to:
Animal Care and Facility Fund, Spay/Neuter Program
Mail to:
New Mexico Animal Sheltering Board
Regulation and Licensing Department
PO Box 25101
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Contributions to the Horse Rescue Shelter Fund:
Make check payable to:
Equine Shelter Rescue Fund
Mail to:
New Mexico Livestock Board
300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Suite 1000
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Remember animals cannot lobby for their own protections and cannot cast a ballot. It’s up to us to speak up for them in the state legislature and in the voting booth. And when we succeed in enacting laws like HB 415, it’s even more important for us to use them!
