Wolf Reintroduction Legislation Tabled by House Judiciary Committee

HB 764 introduced by Rep. Dianne Hamilton was tabled by the House Judiciary Committee following extended discussion.  The Bill would have held any individual involved in the release of a wolf accountable for any injury or damages caused by that wolf to citizens of the state due to inadequate supervision and control.

Prior to release of any wolf the Bill would have required a DNA sample of the wolf coupled with a signed Declaration of Responsibility be filed with the Dept of Game and Fish by the individuals involved in the release.  The Declaration would contain those individuals assurances to the state under penalty of law that they would properly monitor, control and supervise the wolf to avoid death or injury to human beings or livestock.

If they failed to fulfill that duty they would be subjected to minor criminal sanctions similar to a licensed driver being charged with wreckless driver charges or worse if he were to cause injury to another due to the breach of his duty to drive properly.  It was explained to the Committee that these minimal sanctions were not to discourage these individuals from fulfilling their duties associated with wolf reintroduction.  Rather, they were to be imposed to encourage those with a duty to monitor, supervise and control the wolves they released to do so properly just as wreckless driving statutes are imposed, not to discourage driving, but to encourage proper driving habits by holding those who act irresponsibly accountable.   

The most severe penalty in the Bill made it only a misdemeanor if one of the wolves released were to kill a human being.  Even so, many present at the Judiciary Committee hearing to oppose the Bill found even that minimal penalty  outrageous, even though under current law if a human being harms a wolf the penalty is a felony coupled with federal prison and fines up to $25,0000.00.

Although the room was filled with people who spoke in opposition to the Bill none of those who so spoke offered to be personally accountable or responsible for any damages the wolves they insisted be released may cause.  By contrast, however, other than Mr. Bebo Lee of Otero County , not one rancher or farmer claiming to be damaged by wolves released in their area appeared at the hearing to present an opposing view.  This left many in the room with the impression that those who may complain about the wolf reintroduction program are in fact only “crying wolf.”   Apparently, many on the Committee agreed with this conclusion and they tabled the Bill by a vote of 6 to 1. 

Representative Eric Youngberg was the only member present with the courage to stand on his convictions, defend the sanctity of the lives and property of New Mexico citizens vis-à-vis the wolf and oppose the motion to table the Bill. 

The other Representatives on the Committee are:

            Ken Martinez               Joseph Cervantes                    

            Gail Beam                    Daniel Foley                

            Miguel Garcia               Ron Godbey                

            Al Park                        Mimi Stewart 

            Thomas Swisstack        Joe Thompson             

Representative Joseph Cervantes chaired the Committee hearing in Representative Martinez’ absence.