Animal welfare

May 12, 2009 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson issued the following statement today reaffirming his commitment to end the use of gas chambers for animals by June 19, 2009.

“I realize there has been some confusion about the effective date for the new law banning the use of gas chambers for euthanizing animals,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “Let me be clear: that date is June 19, 2009. That is the clear intent of the bills I signed into law, and it is the desire of the people of New Mexico."    » read more »

April 3, 2008 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed several pieces of legislation into law today, including three animal-welfare bills:

HB 1304 (Solano/Schwartz), Illegal Taking/Possessing of Bald Eagles: This bill increases the penalties for poaching bald eagles in Colorado, with each violation now carrying a fine of $1,000 to $100,000, up to a year in jail, or both.

Colorado Governor Ritter signs House Bill 1304 into law: Sigrid Noll Ueblacker of the Broomfield-based Birds of Prey Foundation, state Rep. Judy Solano (far left), Sen. Gail Schwartz, and an eagle, look on.    » read more »