Trapping on public lands in New Mexico continues to put wildlife, pets and us at risk, but now conservationists and animal advocates are hopeful that new legislation will end the practice in New Mexico for good.
The Wildlife Protection and Public Safety Act (HB 366), which was just introduced by Rep. Matthew McQueen, Rep. Christine Chandler and Rep. Roberto Gonzales, would ban commercial and recreational trapping on public lands, with limited exceptions, finally ridding the landscape of cruel and indiscriminate traps and snares.
It would also the use of poison, such as Compound 1080, and M-44s, or cyanide bombs, which have faced increasing opposition over the incredible dangers they pose.
The bill has been dubbed Roxy's Law after a dog who was killed in a snare that was illegally set by a trail late last year, but she is tragically not the only dog to have been injured and killed as a result of trapping in the state.
Unfortunately, not only is trapping putting pets and us at risk, it's also threatening numerous non-target animals, including endangered species.
It also recently came to light that traps have injured and killed five endangered Mexican gray wolves since just November of 2018. According to WildEarth Guardians, one died in veterinary care, while another lost a leg. A third was treated and released, but was later seen limping, while two more were captured and released.
For Mexican wolves, who are already on the verge of extinction and are threatened by a small population and lack of genetic diversity, along with illegal killings, trapping is posing an inexcusable threat to their survival and recovery efforts.
You can help by signing and sharing this petition urging lawmakers in New Mexico to protect wildlife, our companion animals and us by banning trapping on public lands.
