New Mexico Cockfighting Ban Upheld

December 20, 2007 -- (ALBUQUERQUE) --- Judge William McBee of Lovington ruled the New Mexico cockfighting ban is constitutional yesterday.

The State of New Mexico ex rel. Gary K. King, New Mexico Attorney General; Faron Segotta, New Mexico State Police Chief; and Bill Richardson, New Mexico Governor had been sued by the New Mexico Gamefowl Association and certain of its members who support cockfighting.

Attorney General Gary K. King says, “This is a significant victory for those who oppose animal cruelty. I thank the Court for its thoughtful and quick attention to the case. It is important that the law enforcement community is secure in knowing that the statute is constitutional, and it is important that those who abuse animals in a way that is prohibited by the statute face possible criminal prosecution.”

Judge McBee heard oral argument on the AG’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit on all counts.

Legislative Director of Animal Protection New Mexico Heather Greenhood adds, “We commend Judge William McBee for rejecting the cockfighters end-run around the democratic process and congratulates the Attorney General for succeeding in his efforts to enforce this important new law. The people of New Mexico have decided that cockfighting has no place in our state and no amount of legal wrangling will change that.”

The cockfighting ban went into effect June 17, 2007.

Source: New Mexico Attorney General