Governor Richardson Signs Animal Indemnity Bill
The Seized Animal Indemnification Act, or Senate Bill 127, was signed into law today by Governor Bill Richardson. Sponsored by Senator Peter Wirth, this initiative of Attorney General Gary King’s office, in collaboration with Animal Protection Voters, makes it possible for those charged with animal cruelty to be held responsible for the costs of the care for their animals if they are seized into protective custody.
The indemnity law could greatly reduce the amount of financial burden placed on state agencies forced to confiscate animals in cruelty cases. Seized animals are often held for months at a time, and the costs of taking animals into custody for their own protection is expensive not only due to the duration of the seizures, but because the animals also often need immediate, sometimes prolonged, veterinary care.
The indemnity law goes into effect on July 1, 2009.
APV extends heartfelt thanks to Attorney General King and Senator Wirth for their championing of this critical legislation that will help hundreds of animals to be removed from dangerous situations.
Read more here: http://www.nmag.gov/Articles/newsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=650
|
