New Mexico
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
New Mexico
Overall Rank: #50 (Bottom Tier)
- +Mandatory post-conviction forfeiture
- -No felony provisions for negligent or reckless animal neglect or abandonment
- -Standards for minimum acceptable care for animals (e.g. necessary food, water, shelter) are not well-defined
- -No prohibition on sexual assault of animals
- -No statutorily authorized post-conviction possession ban
Animal Protection Laws of New Mexico
The Animal Protection Laws of New Mexico compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for New Mexico with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation
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Active Cases
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Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.
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Stop Ag-Gag Laws
Undercover investigations and whistleblowers have exposed some of the worst aspects of factory farming, but Ag-Gag laws punish people who speak out about cruelty in animal agriculture. Voice your opposition.
No More Puppy Mills
Puppy mill operators maximize their profits by producing large numbers of puppies as quickly as possible. As a result, unsanitary conditions, disease, and neglect are rampant. Sign our pledge to boycott puppy mills. Together we can end cruel puppy mills.
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals
Want to take the next step in your animal advocacy? Learn the skills you need to pass laws protecting animals at the local level! Local laws are critical – not only do they help individual animals in your community but prime state legislation.
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals
Learn how wild animals are exploited in circuses and traveling shows, and how you can help!
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans
Learn how to fight back against the cruel fur industry by passing a fur ban in your community! Led by Animal Legal Defense Fund Campaigns Manager Elizabeth Holtz, this webinar will walk you through the mechanics of fur production, the policy issues, including animal cruelty, environmental impacts, and public health, and more.
Recent Victories
Fund the study and creation of wildlife crossings (New Mexico)
Wildlife Corridors Act (S.B. 72)
Will establish a wildlife corridor fund to be administered by New Mexico’s Department of Transportation
Protecting Animals from Sexual Abuse (New Mexico)
S.B. 215
Creates the crime of bestiality and establishes a post-conviction animal possession ban, among other provisions
Roxy’s Law (New Mexico)
The Wildlife Conservation & Public Safety Act (SB 32)
Bans traps, snares, and poisons on public lands.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws