
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
Active Cases
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.

Stop Ag-Gag Laws

No More Puppy Mills

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans
Recent Victories

Fund the study and creation of wildlife crossings (New Mexico)

Protecting Animals from Sexual Abuse (New Mexico)

Roxy’s Law (New Mexico)
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws