SENATE MEMORIAL 1

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

INTRODUCED BY

Steve Komadina

A MEMORIAL

SUPPORTING PRACTICES, PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH RELATED TO ANIMAL WELFARE; OPPOSING THE EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS TO PROMOTE ANIMAL RIGHTS, THE USE OF MATERIALS THAT DISCOURAGE THE USE AND ENJOYMENT OF ANIMAL PRODUCTS AND LEGAL PROHIBITIONS OR UNDUE RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF ANIMALS.

     WHEREAS, the senate of New Mexico passes laws that govern agriculture, fish and wildlife and the ownership and use of animals within the state; and

     WHEREAS, those laws should promote public understanding of, and appreciation for, the wise use of domestic animals, fish and wildlife for scientific purposes, economic benefit, service, enjoyment and companionship; and

     WHEREAS, the state is responsible for wildlife management and sport regulation, ensuring the health and safety of the public and ensuring the health and benefit of wildlife; and

     WHEREAS, the responsible breeding and care of all fish and animals is essential to the efficient and profitable production of food, fiber and other animal uses and products; and

     WHEREAS, the protection of those engaging in animal enterprise is essential to the intrinsic interdependence of humans and animals and to the personal and public benefit of that relationship; and

     WHEREAS, the use of scientific and ecological principles is essential to conserving and managing wildlife and wildlife habitats in a manner that fosters long-term survival and a balance between wild and domestic animals; and

     WHEREAS, research using animals is necessary to ensure the effective medical treatment of humans and animals;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it support properly researched and industry- tested livestock practices and accepted animal husbandry practices that promote proper animal care and provide consumers with wholesome food, a choice of fiber products and animals for service, sport and companionship; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that those practices should include:

          A. the promotion and protection of public safety and health;

          B. compliance with and enforcement of wildlife laws;

          C. compliance with accepted animal husbandry standards for animal health and the management of livestock and companion animals;

          D. the use of transportation and handling facilities that provide for livestock health and safety;

          E. consultation with licensed veterinarians and industry experts concerning livestock health needs, livestock health care practices and the use of livestock health products; and

          F. the protection of individuals and public or private entities that engage in animal enterprises and adhere to properly researched and industry-tested livestock practices and accepted animal husbandry practices; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the senate of New Mexico support:

          A. public and private education programs that present the facts of animal production, use, service and companionship to the general public;

          B. research that improves scientific knowledge, human and animal health and productivity and the quality of animal products, and the development of practical methods for implementing the findings of that research; and

          C. wildlife management practices, based on scientific research, that ensure the security of healthy, viable wildlife populations so that those populations can be properly used and enjoyed by present and future generations; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the senate of New Mexico support:

          A. lawful animal practices that increase public awareness of animals and the importance of animals in modern life as sources of food, fiber, scientific knowledge, service and companionship; and

          B. efforts to protect domestic animal, wildlife and fish populations by prohibiting transactions involving threatened or endangered species without a valid government permit, introductions of fish and wildlife that are contraindicated by wildlife rules and laws and offenses committed against animals and by encouraging the responsible placement by shelters of companion animals into appropriate adoptive homes; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the senate of New Mexico oppose:

          A. the expenditure of public funds to promote animal rights and the use of educational materials in public schools that discourage the use and enjoyment of animals and animal products; and

          B. legislation and regulation that would prohibit or unduly restrict the use of animals in research or for food, fiber or service or restrict the responsible breeding and sale of animals as pets or companions or for hobby, lawful sport, display or exhibition; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico livestock board, the New Mexico department of agriculture and the board of veterinary medicine.

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