STATE News:

SANTA FE — Senate Bill 57, providing funds for a low-cost pet spay and neuter program, was signed Friday by Gov.r Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Sponsored by Sen. Jacob Candelaria (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces), Senate Bill 57 covers costs of spay and neuter services for lower-income families looking to take care of their pets, as well as delivers funds to struggling animal shelters around the state.

Senate Bill 57 becomes effective July 1.

To fund the programs in Senate Bill 57, pet food manufacturers with annual gross revenue of $3 million or more will pay a $100 fee per year for dog food, cat food, and pet treat brands sold in New Mexico after a 3-year phase-in. This fee is on par with what these companies pay in several other states. The fee does not apply to livestock feed or any other animal feed, prescription diets, nor does it directly affect retailers, or consumers. 

“This law is going to be a game changer for humane treatment of dogs and cats in our communities.  With statewide access to low cost spay and neuter, soon less resources will need to be spent on caring for overpopulation problems.  We will eventually be able to provide better care for pets that are lost, injured or need rehoming,” Ferrary said.

More than 100,000 dogs and cats enter New Mexico’s animal shelters every year. Every year more than 20,000 dogs and cats are euthanized.

In addition to saving animal lives and saving families from heartbreak, Senate Bill 57 will save money for all New Mexicans. Animal control and sheltering costs our communities more than $51 million per year and at least $38 million of these costs are paid by taxpayer dollars.