CITY of ALBUQUERQUE
TWENTY-THIRD COUNCIL
COUNCIL BILL NO. R-18-5 ENACTMENT NO. ________________________
SPONSORED BY: Diane G. Gibson and Cynthia D. Borrego
RESOLUTION
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Condemning Animal Abuse In The Form Of Coyote Killing Contests And Urging The New Mexico Legislature To Pass Legislation Prohibiting Contests Organized, Arranged Or Sponsored For The Purpose Of Killing Coyotes For Prizes Or Entertainment (Gibson, Borrego)
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CONDEMNING ANIMAL ABUSE IN THE FORM OF COYOTE KILLING CONTESTS AND URGING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATURE TO PASS LEGISLATION PROHIBITING CONTESTS ORGANIZED, ARRANGED OR SPONSORED FOR THE PURPOSE OF KILLING COYOTES FOR PRIZES OR ENTERTAINMENT.
WHEREAS, the City recognizes and honors hunting and fishing events for properly licensed hunters and anglers; and
WHEREAS, the City strives to meet the highest standards of humane animal care and husbandry, and to promote responsible pet ownership; and
WHEREAS, the City and surrounding communities strive to treat all creatures humanely and prevent the unnecessary suffering and death of animals to the greatest extent possible; and
WHEREAS, the desert environment is home to a diverse range of animals of many different species, each of which occupies its own place in the fragile balance of natural ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, wildlife killing contests are conducted for profit, entertainment, prizes and simply for the fun of killing, which are not unlike blood sports like dogfighting or cockfighting and are at odds with Components Nos. 2 and 4 of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and with the values that rank-and-file sportsmen profess; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that coyotes are native to the New Mexico and play an important role in maintaining the balance of natural ecosystems by controlling populations of prey species such as rabbits and mice, which may be carriers of hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), Tularemia and Salmonella; and
WHEREAS, many American Indians regard the coyote as one of several sacred animals, playing a major role in animal symbolism through its mating for life, patience in hunting, and guidance on how to lead a life of balanced happiness; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico law does not recognize coyotes as game species and there are no bag limits or seasons for hunting them; and
WHEREAS, the indiscriminate killing of coyotes, while legal in New Mexico, does not serve any legitimate wildlife management purpose; and
WHEREAS, annual coyote killing contests appear to encourage the wanton taking of life by its attendees that is contrary to the treatment of all creatures in a humane and respectful manner and to living in harmony with our environment; and
WHEREAS, based on the accounts of past hunts, many participants lure coyotes using electronic callers that mimic prey animal sounds, then are encouraged to shoot as many coyotes as they can, without utilizing the pelt, meat, or any other part of the animal, while disposing of carcasses in a manner that has not been proven safe or sportsmanship-like; and
WHEREAS, Section 9-2-4-6 ROA 1994, provides for the improper disposal of animals as being “unlawful to dispose of the body of an animal by dumping the corpse on public or private property, roads or rights-of-way”; and
WHEREAS, public lands are also enjoyed by many people for hiking, horseback riding, dog walking, bird watching, hunting, and other outdoor activities possibly posing a threat to the safety and well-being of the City’s residents and their animals; and
WHEREAS, a bill to prohibit coyote killing contests, HB 316 of the 51st Legislature of the State of New Mexico (2013), passed the House Judiciary Committee; and
WHEREAS, two bills to prohibit coyote killing contests, SB 253 of the 52nd Legislature of the State of New Mexico (2015) and SB 268 of the 53rd Legislature of the State of New Mexico (2017), passed the New Mexico Senate with bipartisan sponsorship and support, along with the support of thousands of New Mexicans, Animal Protection of New Mexico, Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club, Southwest Environmental Center (Las Cruces), Wildlife Conservation Advocacy Southwest (Valencia County), and other national organizations.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE:
Section 1. The Albuquerque City Council opposes future events organized, sponsored, arranged or held within the City of Albuquerque or its immediate vicinity as coyote killing contests are not representative of the killing of desert wildlife in a manner that is humane, respectful and safe.
Section 2. The City Council supports the introduction and passage of legislation prohibiting coyote-killing contests throughout the State of New Mexico.
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