HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE BILL 316

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

AN ACT

RELATING TO ANIMALS; PROHIBITING COYOTE-KILLING CONTESTS; DEFINING A TERM; PROVIDING PENALTIES.

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

     SECTION 1. A new section of Chapter 30, Article 18 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] COYOTE-KILLING CONTESTS PROHIBITED-- DEFINITION--PENALTIES.--

          A. It is unlawful for a person to organize, cause, sponsor, arrange, hold or participate in a coyote-killing contest.

          B. As used in this section, "coyote-killing contest" means an organized or sponsored competition with the objective of killing coyotes for prizes or entertainment.

          C. Organizing, causing, sponsoring, arranging or holding a coyote-killing contest consists of a person:

                (1) knowingly planning, organizing or enticing a person to participate in a coyote-killing contest; or

                (2) knowingly providing the venue for a coyote-killing contest.

          D. Participation in a coyote-killing contest consists of a person knowingly taking part in a coyote-killing contest.

          E. A person who organizes, causes, sponsors, arranges or holds a coyote-killing contest is guilty of a misdemeanor.

          F. A person who participates in a coyote-killing contest is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

          G. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person from protecting a person or property, unless otherwise prohibited by law.

          H. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the killing of coyotes if organized or permitted by the state game commission for the purpose of conservation or population management."

     SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2013.

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