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Dear friend of animals,
The end of a calendar year is a perfect time to reflect, to assess and especially to acknowledge the many reasons we have to be thankful. At this time, I want you to know I am personally grateful for your generous involvement in helping make animals count. Because of your commitment to long-term change for animals through legislation, Animal Protection Voters (APV) is making its mark for animals in New Mexico!
We have a lot to show for our efforts over the last year, and since you are an important supporter, I want to be sure you're aware of the accomplishments you've helped us achieve:
Legislation and Lobbying
 In the 2005 legislative session, Animal Protection Voters (APV):
 passed the antifreeze safety act known as "Scooby's law";- passed the dangerous dogs act, also affectionately known as the dangerous owner's act;
- worked with many other organizations to secure $5 million for wildlife habitat;
- prevented the following bad bills from passing: a bill that would have created an open season on cougars and would have made New Mexico the only other state beside Texas not to regulate the killing of cougars; a bill which would have dramatically expanded "canned hunting" areas in New Mexico; a bill to create the unnecessary crime of animal and environmental terrorism (when the crimes to be prevented are already illegal); and a memorial that would have prevented future legislation to protect animals abused in a variety of ways; and
- guided a bill to ban cockfighting farther than similar bills have ever gone before. The ban received passing marks from two House committees-Agriculture & Water Resources and Judiciary-and a 50-21 vote on the House floor.
APV worked with Representative Mimi Stewart to secure a change in New Mexico Public Education Department policies mandating alternatives to dissection for students through grade 12.
 APV launched its first annual Animal Advocacy Day at the state capitol. Voters came to the legislature to talk with elected officials about the importance of passing bills to protect animals, and APV conducted a press conference to highlight bills introduced.
APV urged New Mexico's federal delegation to support animal protection legislation and gained lawmaker commitments to co-sponsor a number of bills.
APV published a comprehensive 2005 legislative scorecard outlining how each legislator voted on bills affecting animals.
APV continued to support other animal advocates in their pursuit of viable animal-friendly legislation at the state level, including legislation to regulate horse sanctuaries.
APV supported local governments in their efforts to pass strong ordinances for animals.
APV prepared for the 2006 legislative session to ensure the passage of the Animal Sheltering Services Act (ASSA), which will establish minimum standards for animal shelters and euthanasia providers in New Mexico. Governor Richardson has once again pledged his support of the measure, as has bill sponsor and champion for the animals, Senator Mary Jane Garcia. APV staff attended the annual conferences of both the New Mexico Association of Counties and the New Mexico Municipal League, securing key support for the bill from around the state. During the 2005 session, this same bill received unanimous support from the Senate, passed all House committees and then failed to get voted on by the full House.
APV held its popular Political Animal Affair fundraiser and auction at the Hyatt Tamaya Resort and Spa in Bernalillo, where legislators and other elected officials were recognized for their work to champion animal issues.
APV staff-along with several other groups-organized a well-attended Albuquerque Mayoral forum specifically focused on issues affecting animals in the city. All four mayoral candidates attended, along with about 75 citizens and several media outlets. The Albuquerque Journal published an article covering the forum.
APV staff continued to help the city of Albuquerque address issues of animal overpopulation and animal shelter operations. Mayor Martin Chavez-in his election night acceptance speech-committed to end the euthanasia of adoptable animals in Albuquerque within four years, and APV staff will support the city with staff time and resources.
APV published two issues of its semi-annual newsletter, The Political Animal.
APV staff is working with other animal advocates on plans for a January 2006 Santa Fe Mayoral and City Council forum covering animal issues important to Santa Fe voters.
APV continued to host its comprehensive and informative website (www.apvnm.org) to educate the public and members about animal issues important to New Mexicans.
APV continued to keep its supporters informed through regular e-mail alerts.
Electioneering
APV endorsed Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez and District 7 City Councilor Sally Mayer. The Albuquerque Journal published those endorsements. APV organized volunteer help for endorsed candidates and actively worked on their campaigns. Mayor Chavez said, "Animal Protection Voters continues to be the number one partner for anyone desiring to improve the lives of animals in the land of enchantment. Their activism will be essential in the fight to make Albuquerque a live exit community within four years."
 APV established an Albuquerque-specific Animal Protection Voters Political Action Committee (APV-PAC) in order to make contributions to endorsed candidates' campaigns.
APV's Albuquerque Political Action Committee sent out 28,000 postcards to voters in Sally Mayer's district, urging them to support her race for city council. Mayer credits APV's postcard with allowing her to avoid a run-off election. "People who normally don't vote-but who care about animals-saw a reason to get out and vote when they received Animal Protection Voters' postcard," said Councilor Mayer.
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