Governor Richardson Signs S/N License Plate Law
Beginning July 1, $25 of the $37 paid by New Mexicans for a special "spay/neuter" license plate will go to spaying and neutering programs in the purchaser's county. Senate Bill 185, signed Tuesday by Governor Bill Richardson, and sponsored by animal champion Senator Mary Jane García, D-Doña Ana, amends language in the existing spay/neuter license-plate law to increase the percentage of the purchase price going to the programs and streamline the money's distribution process.
SB 185 also amends language in the state's Animal Sheltering Services Act to specify that spay/neuter programs in a county will receive those funds directly attributable to the number of the special license plates purchased in that county. The funds will be distributed by the state-level Animal Sheltering Services Board, whose members have expertise in animal welfare issues and are appointed by the governor.
Animal Protection Voters extends sincere thanks to Governor Richardson, Senator García, and the many other legislators who recognized the need to revamp the license plate law and took action. And, we thank all of you for voicing your support. Together, we made it happen! New Mexico residents can now be confident that proceeds from spay/neuter license plate sales are effectively directed to the very programs they were designed to help. Fewer stray animals will help ease the burdens of county animal control and public safety budgets.
The bright yellow plates with a blue paw print over a red silhouette of New Mexico feature the message, "Don't Litter, Spay - Neuter." Their purpose is twofold: to educate people about the pet overpopulation problem facing New Mexico; and to help fund spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats around the state. Josh Leach designed the plate when he was a student at Albuquerque's Art Center Design College. They were introduced in 2006 and, since then, more than 300 New Mexicans have purchased them.
The spay/neuter license plates may be ordered from the Motor Vehicle Department. Order forms can be obtained at an MVD office or downloaded from the MVD website at state.nm.us/tax/forms/mvd/MVD11249.pdf. There is also a link to the plate order form on www.apnm.org.
For more information, contact APV/APNM Community Programs Manager Leslie King: leslie@apnm.org.
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