A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS TO INVESTIGATE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS ALLEGEDLY ENGAGED IN ANIMAL RESCUE ACTIVITIES.

     WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico has experienced many instances over the years of cruelty to livestock and other domesticated and wild animals through neglect and intentional mistreatment; and

     WHEREAS, numerous animal rescue groups have organized as charitable organizations to provide care and rehabilitation services to animals rescued from abusive circumstances; and

     WHEREAS, residents of New Mexico are solicited by many animal rescue groups to donate money in support of the activities of these groups and donate tens of thousands of dollars in support of these animal rescue groups; and

     WHEREAS, some of the animal rescue groups do not have the financial resources or technical ability to provide appropriate continuing care to livestock and other animals that come under their care; and

     WHEREAS, there have been instances where animal rescue groups have solicited and received financial donations from New Mexico residents but have not used donated funds for the purposes espoused; and

     WHEREAS, the state has enacted the Charitable Solicitations Act that regulates fundraising by charitable organizations and provides for enforcement action by the office of the attorney general;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the office of the attorney general and the administrative office of the district attorneys of this state, in cooperation with the New Mexico livestock board, be requested to investigate animal rescue groups that raise funds as charitable organizations but do not provide animal rescue services in an appropriate manner; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no later than November 2005, the office of the attorney general and the administrative offices of the district attorneys report to the appropriate interim committees of the legislature on their investigation and enforcement actions involving animal rescue groups organized as charitable organizations to provide care and rehabilitation services to animals rescued from abusive circumstances; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the office of the attorney general and to the administrative office of the district attorneys.