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Governor Richardson Signs Bill into Law
 Santa Fe, NM – March 12, 2007 – Today Governor Bill Richardson signed Senate Bill (SB) 10, making cockfighting a crime in the state of New Mexico. According to the new law, those participating in cockfighting can be charged with a petty-misdemeanor on the first offense, a misdemeanor on the second offense, and a fourth-degree felony on the third and subsequent offenses.
“This is a landmark event in the history of New Mexico as we become the 49th state to make cockfighting a criminal act. After decades of debate in the State Legislature, the voices of the vast majority of New Mexicans who support a ban on cockfighting have finally been heard,” said Lisa Jennings, executive director of Animal Protection Voters. “Cockfighting is cruelty to animals. New Mexico has made it clear that it does not tolerate intentionally maiming and killing animals for fun and gambling entertainment, and we are grateful to Governor Richardson, Senator Garcia and the Legislature for their support.” Since the late 1980s, states have only been successful at banning cockfighting through citizen initiatives rather than through state legislatures.
The bill for the statewide ban on cockfighting, sponsored by Senator Mary Jane Garcia (D-Doña Ana), passed the House of Representatives on Thursday with 49 representatives voting in favor of the bill and 20 opposed. It returned to the Senate for concurrence on an amendment, and passed its final legislative hurdle Friday morning with a 27 to 6 vote. As the law goes into effect on July 1, 2007, Louisiana will be the only state in the country that allows cockfighting.
Cockfighting involves arming two roosters with razor-sharp knives or ice pick-like gaffs and pitting them against each other in a fight to the death. The roosters are often given drugs to enhance their aggression. Cockfights almost always involve some form of illegal gambling.
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