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

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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cow

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.
dog

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

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

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

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

deer in the woods

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
dog

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)

Roxy’s Law (New Mexico)

The Wildlife Conservation & Public Safety Act (SB 32)
Bans traps, snares, and poisons on public lands.