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Animal Protection New Mexico and its legislative arm, Animal Protection Voters, announced a major milestone today: the long-awaited disbursement of state funding to support spay/neuter providers, animal shelters, and community animal services across New Mexico. The funding, made possible by two pivotal pieces of legislation championed by the organizations, was awarded to 53 entities statewide this month—marking a transformative moment for animal welfare in the state.
Legislative Wins Yield $5 Million in Support
Earlier this year, the New Mexico Legislature passed House Bill 113, establishing the Animal Welfare Program Fund and appropriating $5 million to support shelters, animal control agencies, and community service providers. The bill, signed into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in April, received broad bipartisan support and was sponsored by a coalition of legislators from across the state.
In late October, the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) awarded $3 million in grants from the fund to 25 local governments for critical shelter facility improvements, including roof repairs and HVAC system upgrades.
Crystal Trujillo, Director of Animal Control for the City of Santa Rosa, expressed gratitude:
“The funding we are receiving will allow us to repair our leaky roof and concrete the outdoor portion of our dog kennels. This means we can create a safer, cleaner, and more comfortable environment for the animals in our care and extend the life of our facility to better serve our community.”
SB 57 Funds Finally Flow Despite Legal Challenges
The second legislative victory dates back to 2020, when Senate Bill 57—New Mexico’s Affordable Spay/Neuter Law—was enacted. The law collects fees from pet food companies to fund spay/neuter programs. Though the law has amassed over $5 million, disbursement was delayed due to a lawsuit brought by the corporate pet industry.
In 2024, Animal Protection Voters joined the lawsuit as intervenors, helping defend the law. This month, the NM Board of Veterinary Medicine moved forward despite ongoing litigation, distributing approximately $1 million to 28 spay/neuter programs.
Representative Joanne J. Ferrary (D-Doña Ana), House sponsor of SB 57, celebrated the breakthrough:
“This funding will help communities provide the surgeries needed to curb pet overpopulation. I’m ecstatic!”
Jean Garlie, President of the Chama Humane Society, emphasized the impact on underserved areas:
“Our service area covers a wide expanse of northern New Mexico with sparse resources. This grant will help families who otherwise couldn’t afford spay/neuter services.”
Elizabeth Seely of the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley added:
“By helping cover spay and neuter costs for pets being reclaimed by their owners, we’re removing a major financial barrier and supporting responsible pet ownership.”
A Double Victory for Animal Advocates
Stacy Sutton Kerby, Chief Government Affairs Officer for Animal Protection Voters, called the dual funding releases “cause for celebration,” while Judy Wolf of Animal Protection New Mexico praised the agencies for their careful review and strategic awards.
Still, advocates remain vigilant. SB 57 includes a repeal date of July 1, 2026, and will expire unless extended by the Legislature.
“We’re not for a second going to stop fighting to keep New Mexico’s Affordable Spay/Neuter Law in place,” said Kerby. “We’ve been tenacious in court, and we will fight equally hard at the Roundhouse.”
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