New Mexicans want safe, trap-free public lands!
Trap Free New Mexico is a coalition of citizens, conservation organizations and animal welfare groups who oppose the cruel, damaging, and dangerous practice of trapping in New Mexico. Under-regulated and outdated, traps put citizens, pets, and non-target species at risk, including the endangered Mexican gray wolf. We seek to ban traps in New Mexico for the sake of public safety and New Mexico’s native wildlife.
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News & Updates
Editorial: It’s time to end animal trapping in N.M.
Despite overwhelming support from New Mexicans to eliminate cruel trapping practices — some 69 percent of voters disapprove of the use of traps or snares on our public lands — the rules currently being considered by the State Game Commission do not go far enough. The...
Clock is ticking – stand up against trapping
Albuquerque Journal Guest Column by SUZANNE REED Many of us New Mexicans are – or know – people who “fair chase” hunt on our public lands. Our state Department of Game & Fish (DGF) rules give over 80,000 licensed hunters seasonal opportunities to shoot wildlife...
Evidence mishandling leads to dismissal in trapping case
The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office has dropped more than 30 counts of illegal trapping against a Chimayó man after a Magistrate Court judge found the state Game and Fish Department had failed to serve the man with a search warrant and then failed to save...
KRQE: Animal advocates call for change after dismissal of illegal trapping case
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A Chimayo man was facing dozens of charges for illegally trapping animals after a family’s dog died in one of his traps. After a judge dismissed the case, animal advocates fear this will send the message that illegal trapping won’t be...
Case against trapper of Roxy the dog dismissed
OCT 16, 2019 – SANTA FE – A Santa Fe magistrate judge has dismissed the case against a Chimayó man charged with 34 counts of illegal trapping, on grounds that the New Mexico Game and Fish Department failed to serve the man with a search warrant and failed to preserve...
Hobbled fawn is rescued but dies after illegal trap removed by officials
Despite a valiant effort by La Cañada Flintridge residents and state wildlife officials to rescue a fawn spotted on Sept. 20 with a trap stuck on its leg, the creature died Saturday after being extricated from the likely illegal device. “It’s been so long this poor...
California bans fur trapping for recreation, commerce
California on Wednesday became the first state to ban commercial fur trapping, ending the practice nearly 200 years after animals like beavers and otters introduced the American West to international trade. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he had signed a...
California bans the sale of fur
California has made history today by becoming the first U.S. State to ban the sale of animal fur. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 44 into law, banning all new fur sales and manufacturing in California. The law, which comes into effect in January 2023, has...
Fox died in trap that may have been illegal
SANTA FE – A dead fox was found in a trap on the eastern outskirts of Santa Fe Wednesday, and a WildEarth Guardians representative says the cage trap may have been illegal. WildEarth’s Christopher Smith said a runner found the trap with the fox about 15 feet off of...
Editorial: Updated trapping regs just sidestepping gruesome NM reality
On the face of it, the announcement last month the New Mexico Game and Fish Department is considering banning the use of poison, as well as traps and snares in four high-use areas and at hiking trailheads, sounded good. Because after all, that’s what smoke and mirrors...