UPDATE 2/8: After a long debate and discussion, this bill was tabled again. It could return this session but hopefully, that is all for this year. Thank you to everyone who voiced opposition! Your voices made a difference!
UPDATE: This bill has a second hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 1:30 MST. You may voice opposition via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9124526531 or via phone at 253-215-8782.
UPDATE: The bill was tabled at 7:45 PM and an amended version may or may not return this session.
New Mexico Senate Bill 134 (SB134) is another “traveling animal act” ban with broad-sweeping implications. SB134 prohibits using any animal except “domesticated dogs, domesticated cats or livestock” in educational outreach and other programs. This is a ban on educational programs in classrooms, public libraries, at Scout Troop meetings, and more.
BE AWARE: This program ban would cover ALL non-domesticated animals. Per the bill: “Exotic animal” means an animal that is not a domesticated dog, domesticated cat or livestock. That means programs with all other animals are banned.
The definition for “traveling performance” is very broad: “Traveling performance” means a public or private event for which exotic animals are transported and displayed or required to perform tricks or give rides for the entertainment, amusement or benefit of a live audience. Note that this clearly bans even just “displaying” animals. Since education is a benefit, even educational programs are banned. There is a very limited exemption that only applies to rodeos, “local or national authorities,” animal rehabilitators, and shelter programs.
This bill is unnecessary, redundant, and a waste of New Mexico’s tax dollars. Animal welfare and cruelty laws are already in place and measures like this bill only punish responsible citizens instead of actually penalizing criminals.
NOTE: It does not matter what legislators state as the purpose of the bill. They have been misinformed by animal rights groups and that is why you must voice your opposition and educate them. Laws are not enforced by legislators and the enforcement officers must enforce the law as written. This bill is sponsored by Roberto “Bobby” J. Gonzales and was assigned to the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee.
What to do
- Email legislators;
2. Fax and mail letters;
3. Attend hearings and voice opposition, if possible;
4. SHARE this and encourage others to complete the Alert!!!
Bill TEXT: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/23%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0134.pdf
Bill full details: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?Chamber=S&LegType=B&LegNo=134&year=23
Send Emails
First, send emails from this form in just a few seconds: https://ujoin.co/campaigns/2038/actions/public?action_id=2109
Then, come back and send emails by copying/pasting the email addresses and message below into your own email.
Sample Messaging
Remember to be civil and professional at all times!
Email list: a.sedillolopez@nmlegis.gov, jortizyp@msn.com, bill.tallman@nmlegis.gov, gregg.schmedes@nmlegis.gov, david@ramirezandsonsinc.com, martin.hickey@nmlegis.gov, stuart.ingle@nmlegis.gov, antonio.maestas@nmlegis.gov, brenda.mckenna@nmlegis.gov
Subject line:
NO to SB134
Sample letter
New Mexico Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee Members,
As a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, I implore you to stop SB134 that will ban animal programs. New Mexico already has extensive animal cruelty and welfare laws including § 30-18-1 titled Cruelty to animals. Enforce those current laws! SB134 is yet another superfluous law that will not accomplish its stated purpose and is nothing more than a solution looking for a problem. The fact is that this legislation is unnecessary. Punish the “bad actors” and the criminals. No new law is needed to protect animals as New Mexico can already prosecute animal abusers.
The overreach and unintended consequences are immense! The definition of “traveling performance” would ban outreach programs with a Greek tortoise, gecko, parrot, or almost any other animal at a school or library, for example. Such educational animal outreach events allow children to actually see animals in person. There are many ways to learn about animals, but seeing them in person leads to much greater appreciation, and fuels the desire to learn and to conserve animals and their habitats. This is an important benefit that is not cruel to the animals involved. It is unreasonable to punish those engaging in conscientious animal husbandry and outreach with such a misguided attempt to crack down upon those who are negligent.
Superfluous and redundant laws are becoming commonplace. Tax dollars and legislative resources are continually being wasted to propose duplicative laws. Even worse, collective punishment is becoming an accepted practice in our government. Instead of focusing on criminals, many new laws choose to punish good citizens.
This bill is far-reaching and rife with unintended consequences, including making criminals out of those dedicated individuals who responsibly conduct educational programs with animals. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. Please realize that SB134 is illogical and unjust. Have a good day.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
