Yesterday, the New Mexico Senate Public Affairs Committee amended House Bill 415 to address the concern that vague language contained in the bill could lead to a statewide mandatory spay/neuter program.
Under amendments approved by the committee, the bill would now require the state’s animal shelter board to develop (but not implement) a voluntary statewide spay/neuter program. Further, the board would be required to develop criteria for individual groups, shelters, and euthanasia agencies to receive assistance from the animal care and facility fund.
Your calls and letters made a difference! AKC thanks the many dog owners, fanciers, breeders, and clubs who took the time to contact the Senate and express your concerns with the bill as it was introduced.
HB 415 has now passed committee and the legislature adjourns for the year on Saturday, March 21, so the Senate could vote on the bill as amended any day. Please take the time to contact the following legislators today and let them know your appreciation of the amendments, and ask them to not support further amendments to House Bill 415:
- 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 and thank them for amending HB 415 to address these concerns (click on each link to view contact information):
Your calls and letters made a difference! Yesterday, the New Mexico Senate Public Affairs Committee amended House Bill 415 to address the concern that vague language contained in the bill could lead to a statewide mandatory spay/neuter program.