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Email Key Representatives: Ban Traps and Poisons on Public Lands

House Bill 366, introduced by Rep. Matthew McQueen, Rep. Christine Chandler and Rep. Roberto Gonzales, bans the use of traps, snares, and poisons on New Mexico’s public lands (unless it meets a listed exception). Read the fact sheet »

The bill may soon be voted on by the full New Mexico House of Representatives—and they need to hear from you!

Take action below! Remind Representatives:

Traps are cruel: Trapped animals endure stress, dehydration, starvation, broken bones, dislocations, predation, and even self-amputation.
Traps are indiscriminate: Unlike hunting, traps maim and kill non-target animals. Endangered species and companion animals are often caught in traps.
Traps are a public safety hazard: Every year, canine hiking companions and working dogs (such as important search-and-rescue dogs) are caught in traps. This year, some have been trapped that resulted in amputation and, in two cases, death. Traps are a danger to people, too.
Traps are a drain on wildlife: Traps denude our public landscapes of native species—in many cases, key ecosystem engineers—to sell their fur for private profit. The kill is unrestrained without bag limits and there is no accountability for non-target bycatch. Pelts mostly end up in Eastern Europe and Asia. Trappers pay no gross receipts tax. Trapping is the only activity allowed in New Mexico where wildlife parts can be privatized and sold for commercial gain.
Traps threaten tourism and outdoor economy: An outdoor recreation economy relies on safe public lands that are attractive to residents and tourists alike. The threat of stumbling upon a dangerous trap, snare or poison—that may harm a person or pet, or that may harbor a suffering animal—is repulsive to most visitors and New Mexicans.

Looking for more information about trapping in New Mexico? Visit TrapFreeNM.org

Your Voice is Needed!

State Representatives need to hear from as many New Mexicans as possible urging them to vote 'YES' on House Bill 366.
Use the form below to edit the draft message and send your email.

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A draft email message is written for you below—but please make changes or replace it with your own words! A unique, personal email is far more effective and powerful than the same message others may be sending.

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Click below to personalize your letter. Add other facts, meaningful personal experiences, or other details that help your elected official understand why this issue important to you. Thank you for taking time to advocate for public lands safe from traps, snares and poisons!

Remember: You are one of hundreds of New Mexicans that will contact your legislators about this bill. Be sure to EDIT THE DRAFT MESSAGES BELOW so that your message is viewed as unique, original, and from your heart. Here are some tips on how to personalize your message:

In or after the first line, include the town/county you live in, and any special affiliations or roles you serve in your community.
Insert your own personal story explaining why you care about banning traps and poisons.
Add additional talking points and move/delete paragraphs so that the facts that your email contains the facts that most resonate with you.
Be sure that the words reflect your voice.
Don't worry about including every single bit of information about the bill—again, many others will contact the legislators, too. Focus on being brief, accurate, and polite with a personal connection.

Important House Chamber Votes

Subject: VOTE YES on HB 366 - Ban traps and poisons on public lands

Message:

Please vote YES on House Bill 366 to ban traps, snares and lethal poisons on our public lands. These devices are outdated, cruel and indiscriminate, and they conflict with the vast majority of New Mexicans' ethical and humane values. They capture or kill nearly any animal that can place its foot or nose within it, including endangered species and birds. Captured animals often further injure themselves while thrashing or chewing off their own limb while trying to escape. Traps often go unchecked long enough that the animal starves, dies of exposure or dehydration, or is killed by another animal before being found. Toxic poisons result in horrific and excruciating deaths within minutes or as long as 9 traumatic hours of cardiac failure, respiratory arrest, and severe prolonged convulsions leading to eventual death. The outdoor recreation economy relies on having safe public lands that people can enjoy. Traps, snares, and poisons put the public at risk -- whether it's New Mexicans hiking with their families and dogs, or tourists from out-of-state spending time on our public lands. Neighboring states that New Mexico competes with for tourism attraction (Colorado and Arizona) have already banned traps, snares and poisons on public land. We need to follow suit. To be clear, HB 366 does not apply to hunting, fishing, or other implements by hand used to kill wildlife, nor does it apply to anywhere other than public land. HB 366 is a reasonable measure with many exceptions, to strike a balance across the state: 	> It does not apply to common rodents, listed by species, or birds or fish; 	> It allows government entities to protect human health and safety; 	> It allows ecosystem management conducted by the NM Dept. of Game & Fish (NMDGF), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Conservancy Districts; 	> It allows the NMDGF to use non-lethal traps/snares to address depredation; 	> It allows scientific research; 	> It allows the use of live cage traps to remove animals damaging crops, property, or livestock on public land, and to recover lost domestic animals or feral animals; 	> It allows tribe and pueblo members to trap for religious or ceremonial purposes. New Mexico needs this common-sense solution -- to prevent unnecessary suffering and death, for animals and humans on our public lands. I urge you to vote YES on House Bill 366. Thank you for your consideration.

Remaining:

Email Key Representatives: Ban Traps and Poisons on Public Lands

Take action below! Remind Representatives:

Your Voice is Needed!

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Sorry, we're not targeting any state lawmakers that represent you. But, you can still help!

Thank You! Your action plays an important role in ensuring the humane treatment of animals.