Target: New Mexico Attorney General
Goal: Demand the immediate release of millions in spay/neuter funds tied up in litigation to prevent further harm to New Mexico’s animal population.
New Mexico’s pet overpopulation crisis is worsening, as millions of dollars earmarked for vital spay/neuter programs have reportedly been frozen due to a lawsuit filed by the Pet Food Institute. Since 2020, the state has collected over three million dollars from fees imposed on pet food manufacturers, meant specifically to fund these vital services. However, these funds remain untouched, and as reported, the Pet Food Institute’s legal actions have perpetuated a dangerous delay in accessing much-needed support for struggling communities and their pets.
Currently, the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine has taken steps to allocate some of these spay/neuter funds by opening grant applications. Nevertheless, DOJ lawyers are allegedly urging that these funds remain frozen, in stark contrast to the legislative intent established in 2020. This stagnation inhibits necessary medical interventions for pets and contributes to the distressing cycle of overpopulation, leading to unnecessary suffering and euthanasia of companion animals throughout New Mexico. Time is running out, as the affordable spay/neuter law itself faces expiration next year without immediate legislative action to extend it.
Immediate action is essential to reverse this detrimental trend, and the release of the spay/neuter funds is urgently needed. The New Mexico Attorney General must prioritize the welfare of animals in our state by facilitating the swift allocation of these funds and upholding the will of the legislature. It is crucial that the review of these funds be expedited to ensure that they reach the communities that desperately need them, thus safeguarding the future of countless animals.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear New Mexico Attorney General,
The ongoing legal dispute initiated by the Pet Food Institute has reportedly resulted in a freeze on critical spay/neuter funds in New Mexico, causing significant harm to our communities and their beloved pets. Since the introduction of fees for pet food manufacturers in 2020, over three million dollars intended for spay/neuter services remain inaccessible. This stagnant situation is exacerbated by attorneys from the Department of Justice urging that these funds stay frozen, despite the clear legislative directive underlining their importance.
As the cost of pet care rises and overpopulation issues persist, many families are unable to access affordable spay/neuter services, leading to severe consequences for animals and communities alike. The continued inaction threatens to undermine the very law established to improve animal welfare, placing vulnerable animals at increased risk of suffering and abandonment. It is a dire situation that must be addressed immediately.
The time to act is now. We urge you to take decisive steps to ensure the release of these spay/neuter funds so that they can provide assistance to those who need it most. The health and well-being of New Mexico’s animals and communities depend on your leadership in resolving this issue without delay.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here
