New Mexico Lawmakers Consider Bill to Preserve Spay-Neuter Program

New Mexico lawmakers are considering legislation that would preserve the state’s Affordable Spay/Neuter Law and extend funding for low-cost sterilization services for dogs and cats.

Senate Bill 38, introduced Jan. 21, 2026, removes a sunset clause that would otherwise end funding for the spay-neuter program on July 1, 2026.

The Affordable Spay/Neuter Law was established in 2020 through Senate Bill 57 to address companion-animal overpopulation. The law requires companies that manufacture or distribute pet food to register each product label sold in New Mexico and pay an annual fee. Those fees support grants for veterinary clinics, shelters and nonprofit groups that offer low-cost or free spay and neuter surgeries.

Two puppies wait to be adopted. New Mexico lawmakers are considering legislation that would extend funding for low-cost spay and neuter services statewide. Photo: Vicky (@potatonorim) / Unsplash

Since 2020, the program has generated more than $5 million in funds for spay and neuter services from pet food registration fees.

In late 2025, clinics and animal welfare groups received about $1 million in grants.

During the 2026 New Mexico legislative session, SB 38 passed the Senate and went to the House for consideration.

Supporters say the program helps reduce the number of animals entering shelters and eases pressure on local facilities. New Mexico shelters take in more than 135,000 animals each year, one of the highest per capita intake rates in the United States.

If enacted, SB 38 would allow the program to continue, generating about $1.3 million annually for spay and neuter services across New Mexico.

State animal welfare groups, including the Spay-Neuter Coalition of New Mexico, say research on spay and neuter programs shows that consistent access to sterilization services reduces stray animal populations and improves outcomes for shelter animals.