Cockfighting ban clears first hurdle in Senate

Sen. Mary Jane Garcia’s quest to outlaw cockfighting in New Mexico cleared its first hurdle this afternoon when the Senate Conservation Committee, whose chair opposed the proposal, gave it a Do Pass.

Committee members voted 5-3 to approve the measure, with committee Chair Sen. Phil Griego, D-San Jose, among those voting against it.

“I am overjoyed that we have taken this enormous step,” Garcia, D-Doña Ana, said after the vote. “I have carried this ban for 18 years, and I feel that now we are closer than ever to making it a reality.”

Senate Bill 10 now moves to the Senate Judiciary Committee and must be approved there before it can be voted on by the entire Senate.