No BSL New Mexico

I am proud to report that I spent much of Sunday, the 15th of March, in Santa Fe. Specifically, I was in the Roundhouse with a group of likeminded souls, many of which have spent quite a few days lobbying (quite succesfully) at the Roundhouse.

I got word this morning that HB667, the bill that sought to require liability insurance for "Dangerous Dogs", was killed.

This bill originally required all Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and their mixes be registered under the DDA, but the BSL language did not make the first cut of voting.

Also, HB 159 is a troubling bill. It seeks to expand the definition of Animal Cruelty in an irresponsible manner. If this bill passes, many involved with dog sports or working dogs may bear the brunt of the bill's unintended consequences.

We have got to make sure to provide legislators with input in advance:

The hearing for HB159 was re-scheduled in a last minute effort to accommodate the legislature's busy schedule. Clearly, these things happen and I am not willing to suggest any backroom dealings led to the schedule change.

Many folks were caught off guard by this schedule change.

All told, HB159 was passed by the Senate Conservation Committee, and is now headed to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Again, please visit the CNMAO Blog for the in's and out's of why this bill should not pass as it is today.

And if you don't think this is an HSUS supported bill, well, think again.

So while the BSL aspects of HB 667 have been removed, there are other issues with the bill. And actually, there are several other bills in the house or senate that I find concerning.

The AKC's website has this statement on HB 667:

Representative John Heaton's office has confirmed that HB 667 will be amended to remove the breed-specific provisions. The AKC Government Relations department thanks all those who called, wrote letters, and emailed their representatives about this important issue. We will provide additional information once the amended text is available.

(Update 2/15):

It's being said that the Pit bull and Rottweiler language that first appeared in HB667 is going to be taken out. However, these amendments have not yet been made public...and while the info that I've received has come from reliable sources, I am going to define the mood on this end as: Cautiously Optimistic.

I have a feeling we're going to have to wait till Tues or Wed of this coming week before we can get a look at the new language: I'll be sure to keep checking at the NM State Legislature's "Bill Finder."

Keep in mind folks, simply removing the BSL language, while making these requirements for ALL DOG OWNERS, is not a good thing either - so we really need to continue to check in on this bill...but at least for the moment, hold fast, it seems the BSL aspect of this one is going away.

More so, many rescue organizations will avoid representing Pit bulls and Rottweilers due to these requirements.

Update (2/10):

House Bill 667 was introduced on 2/9, and has one sponsor - Rep. Heaton - and it's current location is the House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee:

Meets: