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SENATE MEMORIAL 26

TH LEGISLATURE

- STATE OF NEW MEXICO -

FIRST SESSION

, 2007

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

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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

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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,

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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,

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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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