At that time, New Mexico became a leader in the nation by making dogfighting a fourth-degree felony. Passing that law demonstrated that New Mexicans are passionate about protecting dogs from intentional harm. Interestingly, the same arguments about culture, freedom and economic benefit that are now used to defend cockfighting were used in 1981 to defend the now outlawed practice of dogfighting. The fact is, a lot of people are troubled that cockfighting is not illegal in our state. According to the poll, tremendous support for a ban cuts across all categories, including ethnicity, gender, geography and political affiliation.
Some people claim that cockfighting is part of Hispanic culture and tradition.
Senators Mary Jane Garcia, Carlos Cisneros, Roman Maes and Richard Martinez all enthusiastically supported that bill. None of them claims cockfighting as a part of his or her culture and heritage. To hear cockfighting enthusiasts talk, nothing could be more wholesome than a good cockfight. Nothing could be better family entertainment than a good cockfight. Nothing could keep the kids off the streets and off drugs like a good cockfight.