House Bill 415 passed by the New Mexico House of Representatives earlier this week contains language that could allow local mandatory spay/neuter policies to be enacted in the state.
As introduced, HB 415 would have established a statewide spay and neuter account and allowed for an optional tax refund for those who contribute to the program.
The bill also contains a provision, however, that would require the state animal shelter board to develop and implement a statewide dog and cat spay and neuter program. The AKC and other animal welfare groups are concerned that the broad and vague wording of this amendment could allow for mandatory spay/neuter programs, intact animal permits, or other similar measures to be implemented statewide.
AKC urges lawmakers to remove this provision or not allow the bill to advance. Removing the provision would allow the state to implement a statewide spay/neuter account without potentially infringing on the rights of responsible dog owners to have the choice of when and whether to spay/neuter their dogs.
The New Mexico legislative session is scheduled to end on March 21, so this bill will likely move through the Senate very quickly. Those who reside or participate in dog events in New Mexico are strongly encouraged to contact the following legislators immediately and ask them to either amend House Bill 415 to remove this provision or to oppose the bill as currently written in its entirety:
- Contact the sponsor of House Bill 415 and respectfully ask him to consider amending or withdrawing this bill:
- Rep. Carl Trujillo
(505) 986-4215
carl.trujillo@nmlegis.gov
- Rep. Carl Trujillo
- Contact your state senator: Visit the New Mexico Legislature “Find Your Legislator” link, enter your mailing address, and select “Senate” from the drop-down box to find the name and contact information for your State Senator.
- Contact Senate leadership (click on each link to view contact information):
- Sen. Mary Kay Papen, President Pro Tempore
- Sen. Michael S. Sanchez, Majority Floor Leader
- Sen. Stuart Ingle, Minority Floor Leader
- Sen. Michael Padilla, Majority Whip
- Sen. William Payne, Minority Whip
- Contact the Senate Public Affairs Committee (click on each link to view contact information):
AKC Government Relations will continue to monitor this bill and provide more information as it becomes available. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.
House Bill 415 passed by the New Mexico House of Representatives earlier this week contains language that could allow local mandatory spay/neuter policies to be enacted in the state.