This past September, APNM and Trap Free New Mexico (TrapFreeNM.org) were proud to present The People’s Forum on Public Lands Trapping. The event, held in Albuquerque and open to all New Mexico residents, served as a response to recent undemocratic policy-making by the state Game Commission, who in July ignored the comments of 12,000 New Mexicans calling for a ban on dangerous and cruel body-gripping traps on lands owned by the public, instead voting unanimously to expand the practice of trapping across the state.
Over 120 people attended the event, with 40 of them speaking in unanimity about the need to protect people and companion animals and halt the cruel exploitation of animals that occurs yearly on our wild lands. The forum panel—chaired by the Honorable Judge Peggy Nelson and including former State Rep. Nate Cote, and representatives from Animal Humane | New Mexico, NM Wildlife Federation, Republicans for Environmental Protection, NM Mountain Club, and Santa Fe County—listened attentively and responded thoughtfully to citizens’ concerns and experience with trapping.
Said Nelson: “It was clear to the panel after hearing the testimony, that the state had not conducted policy making in the light of day, nor considered the complexity of the trapping issue.”
If you or your friends couldn’t attend the forum, add your voice to the growing movement for trapping reform by taking and sharing the forum panel’s new survey:
surveymonkey.com/s/NMTrappingSurvey
Following the People’s Forum, the panel has determined to increase public participation in the debate over trapping. Incorporating the results of this short survey, the panelists will issue a report this fall to the state and public. The survey concludes on Nov. 5.
A
2005 poll found that 63% of New Mexicans favor restricting or banning traps on public lands. Recent
incidents and media regarding trapping have likely increased the numbers of people concerned and outraged over the practice. While the state Game Commission has acted indifferently, APNM and Trap Free New Mexico are grateful that the members of the forum panel have exercised their civic duty by responding to New Mexicans who are opposed to this deplorable practice.
RELATED LINKS:
TrapFreeNM.org
www.surveymonkey.com/s/NMTrappingSurvey
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