Dear TrapFree New Mexico Friends,
We are delighted to announce that a bill to prohibit traps and poisons on New Mexico public lands has been introduced into the state legislature! HB 366, the WILDLIFE PROTECTION & PUBLIC SAFETY ACT, is being sponsored by Representatives Bobby Gonzales (D-Ranchos de Taos), Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo) and Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos). You can read the text of the bill here.
People are calling the bill Roxy’s Law to honor the death of the dog Roxy who was strangled by a snare trap on BLM land last November as her human frantically tried to free her. Not one more dog should be harmed by a trap. Not one more wild animal should have to suffer and die in a trap for recreation or private profit.
Passing a bill is a difficult process and we need your help to get this done:
- Click here to find out who your legislators are »
- Contact your state Representative and state Senator—meet with them, call them, write them an email or a letter—tell them that you are a constituent and that you support HB 366 (Roxy’s Law). They are hearing from scores of trappers right now who oppose the bill.
- Follow the bill as it goes through the legislative process and stay engaged. Keep contacting your legislators, come to the hearings, and tell your friends. We’ll do our best to keep you updated too!
Resources: Tips for Citizen Lobbyists | New Mexico Legislative Process
We have a long road ahead of us, but with your help, this can get done. We can save companion animals and thousands of native wildlife from suffering and dying in traps across our state.
Onward!
For all of the coalition partners at TrapFreeNM.org
Thank you!
Mary Katherine Ray
575-772-5655
PS. Please see the news stories about Roxy and some of the other dogs that have been harmed by traps in just the last few months here, here, here and here.
The Troubles with Trapping on Public Lands
- Trapping is cruel: trapped animals endure stress, dehydration, starvation, broken bones, dislocations, predation, and even self-amputation.
- Trapping is indiscriminate: unlike hunting, traps maim and kill non-target animals. Endangered species and companion animals are often caught in traps.
- Trapping is a public safety hazard: every year, companion and working dogs are caught in traps. This year, some have been trapped that resulted in amputation and, in two cases, death. Traps are a danger to people too.
- Trapping is a drain on wildlife: for only $20, a trapper can kill as many furbearers as he wants and is not liable for the bycatch. Trapping denudes our public landscapes of native species – in many cases, key ecosystem engineers – for private profit. Pelts mostly end up in Eastern Europe and Asia. Trappers pay no gross receipts tax.