Traps and Poisons Prohibited on New Mexico Public Lands

In a major victory, New Mexico has enacted the Wildlife Conservation and Public Safety Act—also known as “Roxy’s Law”—which bans the use of traps, snares, and poisons on New Mexico’s public lands. The legislation was prompted by the tragic story of Roxy, a senior dog killed by a trap while hiking a trail with her family near a public recreation area in northern New Mexico. 

AWI supported Roxy’s Law and helped organize and present a widely attended webinar on trapping. The event helped inform the public about the barbaric use of poisons, traps, and snares on public lands.

Progress secured by the passage of Roxy’s Law, unfortunately, contrasted sharply with trapping-related setbacks in other states. Following the removal of Endangered Species Act protections from gray wolves across the country, hunters and trappers in Wisconsin killed more than 200 wolves in less than three days in February—far exceeding the limit established by the state’s wildlife agency. Meanwhile, Montana and Idaho lawmakers approved multiple bills that greatly expanded opportunities to hunt, trap, and snare wolves in those states. 

Program Terms: Terrestrial Wildlife

AWI Quarterly Terms: Quick Read