SENATE BILL 76

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Mark Moores and Jeff Steinborn

AN ACT

RELATING TO ANIMALS; PROHIBITING COYOTE-KILLING CONTESTS; DEFINING "COYOTE-KILLING CONTEST"; 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 knowingly:

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

                (2) 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 or the state gave commission from carrying out the statutory authority allowed by Chapter 17 NMSA 1978 in a non-coyote-killing contest setting."

     SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2019.

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