Advocacy groups seek ban in New Mexico
Staff Report
FRISCO — Emboldened by California’s recent ban on wildlife killing contests, wildlife advocates say they want lawmakers to enact similar restrictions in New Mexico, which holds more such events than any other state.
A coalition of 10 groups, including CVNM, is calling on the governor and state legislature to ban contests that target coyotes, bobcats, foxes, prairie dogs and other animals, calling them immoral and biologically unsound.
There were at least 17 wildlife-killing contests in New Mexico between August 2013 and July 2014, according to data provided by Wildlife Conservation Advocacy Southwest. At least 130 such events were held nationally during that period. At least three coyote-killing contests took place in New Mexico just this past weekend.
“The fact that New Mexico is number one in this area is an embarrassment to the state,” said Kevin Bixby, executive director of the Southwest Environmental Center. “Now is the time for the legislature and governor to ban these barbaric events.”
Read the full article at Sutton County Citizens Voice.
