| Animal Protection Voters
2005 Initiatives
Outreach and Education
APV will publish its semi-annual newsletter, The Political Animal, and continue to host its comprehensive and informative website (www.apvnm.org) to educate the public and APV members about animal issues important to New Mexicans.
Legislation
APV will continue to build support for and lobby in favor of the following bills in the 2005 legislative session:
- a ban on cockfighting in New Mexico
- creation of an Animal Sheltering Services Board with adequate funding
- a law requiring the addition of a bittering agent to antifreeze sold in New Mexico
- legislation enabling the creation of a substantial and permanent source of conservation funding in New Mexico
- dangerous dog legislation that holds accountable the guardians of animals who pose a danger to the public
Capacity Building
APV will focus on the following capacity-building tasks:
- create and distribute a scorecard tallying each legislator’s votes on important animal protection legislation during the 2005 session
- send to APV members information about their legislators and encourage them to meet with their legislators on animal issues
- organize and conduct legislative informational meetings around New Mexico
- organize in-district meetings between targeted legislators and constituents
- organize in-district media (letters to the editor and articles) regarding animal bills
- organize and host the first Animal Protection Lobby Day at the state capitol on Feb. 9th
- issue APV e-alerts to stimulate grassroots activism and keep subscribers informed of breaking news items
- continue to develop resources, such as APV’s new Tips for Citizen Lobbyists brochure, to enable people to advocate on behalf of animals
Elections
APV will focus on the following election tasks:
- evaluate local elections important to advancing animal issues
- develop and issue candidate questionnaires for specific races
- evaluate candidates for specific races
- issue endorsements and organize volunteer help for animal-friendly candidates
Political Action Committee
APV will encourage its members to donate to the new APV Political Action Committee, so the campaigns of animal-friendly candidates may be financially supported.
Legislative Recognition
APV will sponsor its 2005 party/silent auction at which legislative friends will be recognized.
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