Saturday, February 28, 2009
By Dan Boyd
Journal Capitol Bureau
SANTA FE — Stronger animal protection laws are on track to be one of the biggest success story of the legislative session.
Three bills that would increase the liability of animal abusers or mandate more humane treatment — including one that would make it a crime to leave an animal in a hot car — have already passed one legislative chamber.
In all, more than 18 pieces of legislation have been introduced and many appear to stand a good chance of being approved.
"If all these animal protection initiatives pass, it will be historic," said Heather Ferguson, the legislative director for Animal Protection Voters, an Albuquerque-based animal advocacy group that's part of a coalition of organizations driving this year's effort.
The proposals have benefited from the support of top state officials, including Gov. Bill Richardson and Attorney General Gary King.
During a Friday rally that drew more than 100 people to the Capitol rotunda, Richardson said he especially supports increased penalties on those who intentionally starve or mistreat horses.
"We have to recognize these are wonderful animals that across the federal and state spectrum we have to protect," Richardson said.
Reports of malnourished and abandoned horses — some little more than flesh and bones — have prompted some of the new proposals, but the new laws wouldn't be equine-exclusive.
One measure would prohibit animal shelters from using carbon monoxide gas chambers from euthanizing dogs and cats.
"I think it speaks of us as a society how we treat our animals," said House Majority Leader W. Ken Martinez, D-Grants, the bill's sponsor.
While New Mexico has enacted animal protection laws in previous years — such as a landmark 2007 cockfighting ban — backers of the proposed laws said both the scope and quantity of bills during the current session is unparalleled.
In addition to the high-profile allies, supporters say the nation's economic woes give a sense of urgency to the legislation since some animal owners may be neglecting their pets for financial reasons.
Law enforcement and state prosecutors have also played a role, as King pointed out the state recently recorded its first conviction for dogfighting.
But with three weeks remaining in the 60-day legislative session, backers aren't counting their victories just yet.
"It's not over until it's over," said Monica Garcia, Animal Protection Voters' communications manager.
Status of some of this year's animal protection bills
• Senate Bill 127 — Abused animals can be seized; owners must pay cost of care (Passed Senate by 40-1 vote).
• House Bill 159 — Criminalizing human negligence when it could lead to death or injury of animal (Passed House by 61-6 vote).
• House bill 82 — Making it a felony to intentionally starve animals to death (Pending in House Judiciary Committee).
• House Bill 265 — Prohibiting euthanizing cats and dogs in gas chambers (Passed House by 62-3 vote).
• House Bill 781 — Creating horse protection fund in state treasury (Pending in House Agriculture Committee).
Posted with permission from the Albuquerque Publishing Company. |
