Richardson Signs Bill; Louisiana Left as Only State to Allow Barbaric Practice
WASHINGTON (March 12, 2007) – Today, Governor Bill Richardson fulfilled his pledge to help outlaw cockfighting in New Mexico after the House and Senate, by wide margins, approved legislation to ban these gladiatorial spectacles. New Mexico becomes the 49th state to ban cockfighting, leaving Louisiana as the only state to allow this practice.
"This is a major moment in the effort to rid our nation of this barbaric and reprehensible practice," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "Governor Richardson got the job done, as he promised, and did so with plenty of help from lawmakers up and down the state. New Mexico removed an ugly blemish today, and it is a proud moment for the state."
S.B. 10, introduced by Senator Mary Jane Garcia (D-Dona Ana/36th), passed by a vote of 49 to 20 last Thursday. The Humane Society of the United States has been working closely with Animal Protection of New Mexico in a campaign to rid the state of cockfighting. The last three states to ban cockfighting – Arizona (1998), Missouri (1998) and Oklahoma (2002) – did so by ballot initiative; this is the first statewide ban imposed by lawmakers in more than two decades.
The effort to produce a statewide ban (13 counties have already enacted their own prohibitions) on the barbaric activity gathered momentum last December, when Governor Bill Richardson added his name to the growing list of public officials endorsing a ban. That list includes Albuquerque Mayor Martin Garcia and the Roman Catholic bishops of New Mexico.
Facts:
- Louisiana is now the last state where cockfighting remains legal. Cockfighting is outlawed in 49 states, and punished as a felony in 33. The Louisiana Senate voted 30 to 4 to ban cockfighting last May, and political observers there believe that momentum has grown this legislative session against the cockfighters. The legislative session in Louisiana begins April 30, and HSUS will mount a major effort to pass legislation there.
- A separate piece of federal legislation is being considered by the U.S. Congress to make it a felony to transport any animal over state lines for an animal fighting venture. H.R. 137, the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, is awaiting floor action in the House and has 303 cosponsors. The Senate companion bill, S. 261, is being marked up in the Judiciary Committee on Thursday and has 27 cosponsors.
- Lawmakers across the country are trying to strengthen anti-animal fighting laws; legislators in Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia are all considering bills that address the issue.
- Polls show that 81 percent of New Mexico's citizenry oppose cockfighting and believe it should be banned.
Timeline:
- 2001- Research & Polling, Inc. of Albuquerque releases a poll showing that 81 percent of New Mexicans favor a ban on cockfighting. This includes 84 percent of Anglos and 76 percent of Hispanics. The poll shows broad opposition cockfighting in both rural and urban areas and among all age groups.
- 2003, 2005 - The New Mexico House of Representatives approves cockfighting ban but the legislation fails to clear the Senate after being defeated in the Conservation Committee.
- 2005- The city of Albuquerque adopts a tough anti-cockfighting ordinance that prohibits possession of fighting cocks within city limits and possession of the gaffs and knives used in cockfights.
- December 2006- Governor Bill Richardson endorses outlawing cockfighting as part of a comprehensive animal welfare package, and adds his name to the growing list of public officials endorsing a ban. Albuquerque Mayor Martin Garcia and the Roman Catholic bishops of New Mexico also announce their support for the effort.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at www.humanesociety.org.
