Save NM Pets – Support Senate Bill 57

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About the Bill

The Problem

More than 100,000 dogs and cats enter New Mexico’s animal shelters every year
Every year over 20,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in our shelters
Animal control and sheltering costs our communities more than $51 million per year—and at least…
$38 million of these costs are paid by taxpayer dollars every year.

A 2012 Senate-requested study showed that the solution is to invest significant dollars in statewide spay/neuter—and the best, most effective, equitable, and feasible funding source is a pet food manufacturer fee.

The Solution

A tried & true solution: Pet food manufacturers will pay $100/year after a 3-year phase-in for each product (SKU) of dog and cat food and treats registered to be sold in New Mexico. This fee is on par with what these companies pay in several other states, including states smaller than New Mexico.

The fee does NOT apply to:

Livestock feed or any other animal feed
Prescription diets
Small manufacturers with annual gross revenue of $3 million or less
Retailers or consumers

Projected Impact

$ 1.47 million

Total funds the fee is expected to generate annually at the completion of the phase-in.

$ 1.3 million per year

Amount of annual funds that would go directly to spay/neuter services

18 K- 26 K/year

Number of dogs & cat spay/neuter surgeries projected to be funded by annual revenue generated

Recipients of the Fund

Spay/Neuter Surgeries for Animals of Income-Qualified Families

NM Board of Veterinary Medicine for Enforcement of the Animal Sheltering Act

NM Dept of Agriculture for Fee Registration/Enforcement

Who Supports SB 57?

In prior years and currently, supporters include:

The Albuquerque Journal, New Mexico Association of Counties, New Mexico Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association, Animal shelters, rescue groups, law enforcement and animal control officers, county commissioners, mayors and other local policymakers across the state, including those in:
Bernalillo County, Cibola County, Colfax County, Doña Ana County, Luna County, McKinley County, Quay County, San Juan County, San Miguel County, Sandoval County, Santa Fe County, Sierra County, and more

Breaking News: ABQ Journal Supports SB57!

“Should New Mexicans continue to flush more than $50 million away every year catching, caring for and ultimately euthanizing tens of thousands of unwanted cats and dogs? Or should the state Legislature assess pet-food manufacturers a reasonable, phased-in, $100 fee on the pet food and treat products they sell here to expand spay and neuter services? The humane and fiscally responsible answer is the latter.”

Read the Editorial

Testimonials

from other states that enacted this measure

Euthanasia rate is down to 4%, and available pet food products have more than doubled since fee increase.
“I was not worried that pet food prices would increase when [Maine] passed a law that would place a fee on pet food to fund a spay/neuter program… It was apparent that the cost to the companies would be minimal… My pet food sales business continues to thrive! I know that part of the reason my business is successful is because of our position on animal welfare issues.”

Don H., Bangor, MaineCo-Owner, Pet Food Retailer/Dog Daycare

The fee enacted in 2017 led to a 17% decrease in shelter intake and 35% decrease in euthanasia rates (from 2016 to 2018).
“I have not raised our wholesale or retail prices since the implementation of fees. The fees are minimal and not even pennies on the cost of selling pet foods in WV.”

Jenn D., Morgantown, WVDog Food & Treat Manufacturer

Euthanasia rate reduced by 43% for cats and 25% for dogs after only three years of the fee in place.

“We have seen no noticeable cost change or availability issues for food in Maryland. Simply put, [pet food manufacturers] will move on the cost to consumers if needed, but there have not been any spikes over the past 6 years. I think this is an excellent model for other states.”

Patty C., Chief Animal Control Officer Talbot Co.President, Professional Animal Workers of Maryland, Inc