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Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 30 January 2013 30 January 2013

Santa Fe, NM - Rep. Nate Cote (D-Doña Ana, Otero-53), has introduced legislation to prohibit animal killing contests.  Recent attention has been focused on the promotion of killing animals without regard for public safety or the health of our lands. Citizens of New Mexico have expressed outrage and horror over the senseless killing of animals for prizes and Rep. Cote will not allow those concerns to go unheard.
 
House Bill 316 will criminalize organizing, causing, sponsoring, arranging or holding an animal-killing contest and apply a civil fine of up to $1000. Subsequent convictions could range up to $5000 and 1 year imprisonment.
 
Lisa Jennings, the Executive Director of Animal Protect Voter said, “These contests are unethical and offend our community’s sense of common decency. They send a dangerous message to our children that life is cheap in New Mexico and that senseless killing is cause for celebration.” The Animal Protection Voters are working to raise awareness about HB 316 and educate the public about the dangers to public safety and New Mexico’s environment that result from animal killing contest.
 
Rep. Cote said, “The recent publicity about a large number of coyotes being killed for a prize has rightfully caused a public outcry against these killing contests. These competitions appear to be another example of our cultures fascination with violence that is not being discussed. These horrifying killing contests for a prize must stop.”
HB 316 has been referred to the House Judiciary committee for review.