New Mexico is starting 2007 out right with an extensive proposal from Gov. Bill Richardson to protect the state's animals from cruelty, neglect and overpopulation. Most notably, the governor has thrown his support behind legislation to make New Mexico the 49th state to ban cockfighting.

Louisiana is the only other state that allows this cruel and gruesome practice.

"Gov. Richardson's public statement in favor of a ban on cockfighting is a major step forward in the effort to outlaw cockfighting in New Mexico, and we thank him for his strong public stand on animal fighting and support of other animal protection initiatives," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS.  "With his active support and legendary lobbying abilities, we hope 2007 will be the year that staged fights between animals conducted for entertainment and illegal gambling are finally outlawed in the state."

Richardson made the announcement Dec. 27 when he also unveiled a package of 10 animal-friendly proposals, which he is expected to put forward to the legislature as part of his budget this month.  The $3.6 million plan covers pets, horses and wildlife.  It is the first time a state's chief executive offered such a broad-ranging animal welfare agenda.

About two-thirds of the proposed funding is targeted at improving the welfare of pets awaiting adoption in shelters and foster homes.  New Mexico's shelters would receive $2 million to improve their infrastructure and services, and the state's spay/neuter program would receive $500,000. Additionally, $100,000 in grants would be available to organizations that provide foster homes for pets.

Grants totaling $500,000 would be offered to sanctuaries that care for aged and neglected horses, with a specific emphasis on sanctuaries that care for wild horses and horses no longer wanted by farms, ranches or sports facilities.  The state's livestock board would be allotted $150,000 to help their efforts as caring for abused and neglected horses.

Richardson also committed to urging the federal government to better manage wild horses and develop programs for tourists to visit national wild horse territories.

Migratory animals are also part of Richardson's plan.  The University of  New Mexico's Center for Wildlife Law would be given $100,000 to study the effects of climate change on migration and residence patterns.

Perhaps the broadest of the proposals is the creation of an Animal Welfare Oversight Board.  The board, created with $150,000 in recurring funding, would be in charge of addressing state-level animal welfare issues and would fall under New Mexico's Regulation and Licensing Department.

Looking to the next generation, Richardson included $100,000 to set up a pilot program to teach schoolchildren about the humane care and treatment of animals.