Target: Raúl Torrez, Attorney General of New Mexico, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Goal: Seek vigorous investigation and prosecution of individuals who pick up, keep, or transport wild animals in violation of state law, endangering communities and causing preventable animal suffering.
State authorities report a growing problem of civilians removing wild animals from their habitats and even bringing them into homes. These actions violate New Mexico law and can expose families and pets to rabies, distemper, hantavirus, and dangerous parasites. Officials warn that well-meaning interference often becomes a death sentence for the animal. Stress, improper handling, and delay in expert care can be fatal.
Conservation officers continue to encounter unlawfully possessed wildlife and illicit “rescues.” Aquatic species are transported between waters by civilians. That practice risks invasive spread and ecological harm. Officers also describe people attempting ad hoc rehabilitation without permits. The result is fear, pain, and avoidable deaths for animals who needed licensed intervention.
Robust enforcement is needed. Clear penalties deter repeat behavior. Court-ordered wildlife-education courses can correct ignorance. Restitution can cover veterinary costs and rehabilitation. Permanent bans on possessing wildlife without permits can protect animals and neighborhoods. Sign below to demand the Attorney General prioritize prosecution of illegal wildlife possession and transport, coordinate with the Department of Game and Fish, and support a statewide public-awareness push to stop these harms now.
PETITION LETTER:
Attorney General Torrez,
State wildlife officials report that civilians are picking up wild animals, transporting them, and attempting unlicensed rehabilitation. These actions violate New Mexico law and place communities at risk of rabies, distemper, hantavirus, and other zoonoses. Animals suffer. Many die from stress, mishandling, and delayed expert care.
Cases also involve civilians moving aquatic fauna between public waters, facilitating invasive spread and ecological damage. Some people keep wild animals in homes, exposing children and pets. Officials are urging the public to call professionals rather than intervene. That message needs enforcement behind it.
We respectfully urge your office to prioritize investigation and prosecution of illegal wildlife handling and possession. Seek meaningful penalties, restitution for rehabilitation costs, court-ordered wildlife-education programs, and appropriate bans on wildlife possession without permits. Please coordinate with the Department of Game and Fish to pair enforcement with a visible public-awareness campaign so people know the legal and health consequences before an animal suffers.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: John Fowler
