Posted February 2nd, 2021 for WildEarth Guardians
SANTA FE, N.M.—Today , the Wildlife Conservation and Public Safety Act, (also known as “Roxy’s Law”) passed the Senate Conservation Committee by a vote of 7 to 2.
Sponsored by Senator Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales (D-Ranchos de Taos), Senator Brenda McKenna (D-Corrales), Representative Chris Chandler (D-Los Alamos), and Representative Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo), Senate Bill 32 would prohibit traps, snares, and poisons on public lands with a few important exemptions including the protection of human health and safety, scientific research, ecosystem management by professionals, and the protection of sovereign tribal religious practices.
The vote demonstrated bipartisan legislative support for a bill that is supported by the majority of New Mexicans, from hunters and nature enthusiasts to dog walkers and park visitors. Senate Bill 32 would spare enormous numbers of New Mexican wildlife from being killed on public lands by outdated and painful methods—nearly 150,000 native creatures have been killed by private trappers in the state since 2008. The bill will also save unsuspecting companion animals and their human families from prolonged suffering. Since the 2020-2021 trapping season began, at least 8 dogs are known to have been caught in privately set traps on public land across the state. The most recent incidents occurred near Abeyta, Pecos, Rowe Mesa, and Cloudcroft and include several trapped pets and a trapped hunting dog.