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Please make a quick call to Governor Richardson and thank him for his fabulous support of animal protection issues, as outlined in the news story below. Call him at 505-476-2200.
The New Mexican: Richardson's long-awaited stand on cockfighting: Ban it
December 27, 2006
Until now, Richardson hadn't taken sides in debate
By Barry Massey
The Associated Press
Gov. Bill Richardson said Wednesday he will push during next year's Legislature to ban cockfighting.
New Mexico and Louisiana are the only states that still allow cockfighting.
"I will support a ban on cockfighting. The time has come to make it happen. The people of New Mexico want it to happen," Richardson said at a news conference. "Not only will I support a ban, but I will actively try to make it law."
Proposals to ban cockfighting have failed repeatedly in the Legislature, including last year.
Supporters of cockfighting say it's part of the state's Hispanic culture and that fighting is inherent to roosters. Opponents contend it's barbaric and inhumane to allow roosters to fight with knife-like, metal spurs.
In the past, Richardson has not taken sides in the cockfighting debate. Instead, he has said he did not want the issue to distract from other matters such as education, creating jobs and health care.
"Now that we have made progress in all those areas and because the people of New Mexico overwhelmingly want a ban, I believe as the governor I should throw my support behind a cockfighting ban," said Richardson, who is considering a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.
At least 13 counties and 29 municipalities in the state ban cockfighting but there is no state law that prohibits the activity.
Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of The Humane Society of the United States, said that with Richardson's "active support and his legendary lobbying abilities, we hope 2007 will be the year that staged fights between animals conducted for entertainment and illegal gambling are finally outlawed in the state."
The Legislature convenes Jan. 16 for a 60-day session.
Sen. Mary Jane Garcia, D-Doña Ana, said she will introduce a measure to outlaw cockfighting and she welcomed Richardson's support.
Elisabeth Jennings, executive director of Animal Protection Voters, saidRichardson's support should improve the chances that a cockfighting ban will be approved.
"I think legislators look to the governor for direction," Jennings said. "Some legislators, knowing that he is supporting it, I can only guess that it will make a difference."
Richardson declared his support for the cockfighting ban as he announced a package of animal protection proposals, including $3.6 million in his budget recommendations to the Legislature for a range of animal welfare programs. For example, Richardson proposed $2 million for animal shelter improvements statewide, $500,000 for expand programs to spay or neuter pets, $500,000 for facilities that care for neglected and unwanted horses and $100,000 for a pilot program for public schools to teach children how to care for and respect animals.
The governor also proposed creating an Animal Welfare Oversight Board and providing $150,000 for its operations, which would include establishing standards for animal shelters.
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On the Net:
Governor's Office: www.gov.state.nm.us
Animal Protection Voters: www.apvnm.org
The Humane Society of the United States: www.hsus.org
......
State of New Mexico
Office of the Governor
Bill Richardson
Governor
For Immediate Release: Contact: Gilbert Gallegos
December 27, 2006 (505) 476-2217
Governor Richardson Announces 10-point Animal
Protection Package
SANTA FE -- Governor Bill Richardson today announced a $3.6 million animal
protection package that he will present to the Legislature next month. The Governor
announced his plan to help the state’s animal population at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter
and Humane Society.
“We are taking a comprehensive approach to protecting animals, starting with a
significant investment in preventing pet overpopulation and a strong animal welfare
oversight board,” Governor Bill Richardson said.
The Governor’s 10-point plan includes:
$150,000 for Animal Welfare Oversight Board
Governor Richardson proposed $150,000 in recurring funds to create an Animal Welfare
Oversight board that will be housed within the Regulation and Licensing Department.
The board will be run by an Executive Director who is responsible for addressing issues
of animal welfare at the state level.
$2 million for Animal Shelter Improvements and Operations
Governor’s Richardson’s budget will also include $2 million to help animal shelters
around the state improve infrastructure and services.
$500,000 to expand spay/neuter programs.
Governor Richardson proposed $500,000 to expand the existing statewide spay/neuter
program to help reduce pet overpopulation.
$100,000 to create grants for adoption and placement programs
Governor Richardson proposed $100,000 in grant monies to help defray the costs of room
and board to organizations that offer foster homes for pets awaiting adoption.
$500,000 in grant awards for Aged and Neglected Horse Sanctuaries
Governor Richardson’s proposal invests $500,000 in grant awards for aged and neglected
horse sanctuaries. The funding will be geared specifically for facilities that take in
unwanted farm/ranch/sport or wild horses.
$150,000 for the New Mexico Livestock Board
Governor Richardson’s budget provides the New Mexico Livestock Board with $150,000
to help them in their efforts to care for abused and neglected horses.
$100,000 for UNM Center for Wildlife Law
Governor Richardson’s proposal includes $100,000 for the UNM Center for Wildlife
Law to conduct a study on the effects of climate change on wild animal migratory and
residence patterns.
$100,000 for pilot program for schools
Governor Richardson’s budget will include $100,000 for a pilot program for New
Mexico public schools to teach humane care and treatment of animals to schoolchildren,
which will be administered by the Public Education Department.
The Governor’s proposal also included his plan to urge the Federal Government to
improve management of wild horse herds and to develop tourism programs at national
wild horse territories. He also pledged his continued support for the New Mexico
Department of Game and Fish’s effort to ensure that both Blacktail and Gunnison prairie
dogs are maintained as a keystone species, while respecting the rights and considerations
of ranchers and municipalities.
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