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Committee advances committee substitute on animal-shelter funding and votes 'do not pass' on original bill
Summary
Members heard testimony about animal-control capacity and shelter needs statewide. The committee adopted a substitute for HB113 after compromise language and then moved a do-not-pass on the original HB113 while passing the committee substitute.
Committee members heard sustained testimony about animal-control challenges and shelter capacity across New Mexico as they considered House Bill 113 and a committee substitute drafted in negotiation.
The substitute struck an earlier subsection that raised anti-donation concerns, according to the presenter, and committee members said the compromise allowed them to move forward. Kathy Elliott, speaking for the city of Raton, described packs of roaming dogs and a full no-kill shelter, urging support for municipal animal-shelter needs. Witnesses said many municipalities lack basic supplies, vehicles and equipment for animal control; experts described programs that could improve shelter outcomes, including training, behavior programs and partnerships such as veterans’ support efforts.
Representative Vincent pressed presenters about the size of the appropriation (the bill discussed $7,000,000 in committee) and asked whether donations and local ordinances address dangerous animals; presenters replied that donations are insufficient and that local ordinances and public-safety rules govern outcomes for dangerous or biting animals.
The committee ultimately recorded motions to do-not-pass the original HB113 while advancing the House Appropriations & Finance Committee substitute; those motions carried with no recorded opposition. The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.
