SENATE MEMORIAL 78

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Jacob Candelaria

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE BERNALILLO COUNTY METROPOLITAN COURT TO ESTABLISH A SPECIALTY COURT TO HANDLE ANIMAL ABUSE CASES.

     WHEREAS, results from a recent study conducted by the animal legal defense fund placed New Mexico in the "worst five states for animals" category based on the state's animal protection laws; and

     WHEREAS, certain actions have been taken to address animal abuse in the state, but animal abuse continues to plague the state and, specifically, Bernalillo county; and

     WHEREAS, numerous psychology, sociology and criminology studies have shown a strong correlation between animal abuse and human violence; and

     WHEREAS, efforts to address animal abuse could have a positive effect on preventing other types of violent behavior; and

     WHEREAS, the Bernalillo county metropolitan court has established several successful specialty court programs to address specific needs in the community;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the Bernalillo county metropolitan court be requested to establish a specialty court to handle animal abuse cases in the court's jurisdiction; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the Bernalillo county metropolitan court and to the administrative office of the courts.

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