A BILL TO BAN ANIMAL KILLING CONTESTS IN NEW MEXICO IS NOW IN THE MIX AT THE LEGISLATURE. IT'S IN RESPONSE TO LAST YEAR'S COYOTE KILLING CONTEST IN CENTRAL NEW MEXICO THAT CAUSED PUBLIC OUTCRY.

THE BILL WOULD CRIMINALIZE ORGANIZING, SPONSORING, OR HOLDING ANIMAL KILLING CONTESTS AND WOULD HIT FIRST-TIME OFFENDERS WITH A THOUSAND DOLLAR FINE. A STIFFER FINE AND PRISON TIME WOULD BE IMPOSED FOR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS.

THE OWNER OF GUNHAWK FIREARMS OF LOS LUNAS ... WHICH HELD THE COYOTE KILLING CONTEST IN NOVEMBER ... CALLS THE BILL IS A DISGUISED ATTACK ON HUNTING AND GUN RIGHTS.