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Richardson vows to outlaw cockfighting

Barry Massey/Associated Press
Thursday, December 28, 2006

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SANTA FE — Animal welfare activists working to ban cockfighting in New Mexico picked up a powerful ally in Gov. Bill Richardson.

The governor said Wednesday he will back a proposal to outlaw cockfighting and will work during next year's Legislature to enact the ban.

New Mexico and Louisiana are the only states that allow cockfighting.

"I will support a ban on cockfighting. The time has come to make it happen. The people of New Mexico want it to happen," Richardson said at a news conference. "Not only will I support a ban, but I will actively try to make it law."

Proposals to ban cockfighting have failed repeatedly in the Legislature, including last year.

At least 13 counties, including Bernalillo, and 29 municipalities in the state ban cockfighting, but there is no state law that prohibits the activity. Mayor Martin Chavez last week called on the Legislature to outlaw the sport.

The Legislature convenes Jan. 16 for a 60-day session.

Supporters of cockfighting say it's part of the state's Hispanic culture and that fighting is inherent to roosters. Opponents contend it's barbaric and inhumane to allow roosters to fight with knife-like, metal spurs.

Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States, said that with Richardson's "active support and his legendary lobbying abilities, we hope 2007 will be the year that staged fights between animals conducted for entertainment and illegal gambling are finally outlawed in the state."

Pacelle also said his organization would press Congress to approve legislation to stop cockfighting and dogfighting by making it a felony to transport animals across state lines for fighting.

Ronald Barron of Artesia, president of the New Mexico Game Fowl Association, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment on the governor's support of banning cockfighting.

In the past, Richardson has not taken sides in the cockfighting debate. Instead, he has said he did not want the issue to distract from other matters such as education, creating jobs and health care.

"Now that we have made progress in all those areas and because the people of New Mexico overwhelmingly want a ban, I believe as the governor I should throw my support behind a cockfighting ban," said Richardson, who is considering a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.

Sen. Mary Jane Garcia, a Dona Ana Democrat, said she will introduce a measure to outlaw cockfighting and she welcomed Richardson's support.

Elisabeth Jennings, executive director of Animal Protection Voters, said Richardson's support should improve the chances that a cockfighting ban will be approved.

"I think legislators look to the governor for direction," Jennings said. "Some legislators, knowing that he is supporting it, I can only guess that it will make a difference."

Richardson declared his support for the cockfighting ban as he announced a package of animal protection proposals, including $3.6 million in his budget recommendations to the Legislature for a range of animal welfare programs. Richardson proposed $2 million for animal shelter improvements statewide, $500,000 to expand programs to spay or neuter pets, $500,000 for facilities that care for neglected and unwanted horses and $100,000 for a pilot program for public schools to teach children how to care for and respect animals.

The governor also proposed creating an Animal Welfare Oversight Board and providing $150,000 for its operations, which would include establishing standards for animal shelters.