HOUSE BILL 126

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Al Park

AN ACT

RELATING TO CRIMINAL LAW; PROHIBITING INTERFERENCE WITH ZOO ANIMALS; PROVIDING A PENALTY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. A new section of the Criminal Code is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] INTERFERENCE WITH A ZOO ANIMAL.--

          A. Interference with a zoo animal consists of the intentional unauthorized entry into an animal enclosure or habitat at a zoo while an animal is present.

          B. Whoever commits interference with a zoo animal is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

          C. As used in this section:

                (1) "animal enclosure or habitat" means any cage, structure, building, fenced area or other premises where an animal is kept, handled, housed, exhibited or bred; and

                (2) "zoo" means a zoological park that is open to the public for viewing of animals and that is inspected by the United States department of agriculture."

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