New Bill in New Mexico Would Help Social Workers Identify Signs of Animal Cruelty - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up!

To New Mexico’s House of Representatives for unanimously voting in favor of House Joint Memorial 6 to train specific public safety and child welfare employees to recognize the signs of animal abuse.

According to The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), people who abuse animals are five times more likely to abuse family members.  In light of this reality, New Mexico Representative Jim Dines (R-Bernalillo) has sponsored HJM 6 that would require certain employees of the Department of Public Safety and of the Children, Youth, and Families Department to attend training classes to become familiar with the signs of animal abuse or cruelty. This would allow social workers serving families to address the welfare of both humans and animals living in a home. In a recent news article, all of New Mexico’s House of Representatives voted in favor of the bill.  HJM 6 is now awaiting approval by the New Mexico Senate.

Take Action:  New Mexico residents, contact your Senate Representative to show your support that HJM 6 be passed.  Other residents, support similar legislation in your area.