State of New Mexico
House of Representatives
  Ben Lujan, Speaker of the House
    Ken Martinez, House Majority Leader
        Sheryl Williams Stapleton, House Majority Whip

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                             Contact:    Dennis Hazlett
December 21, 2009            505-231-0142

Rep. Cote Assists Local Animal Organizations

LAS CRUCES, NM -- Today State Representative Nate Cote, representing District 53 (Dona Ana and Otero Counties) announced grants from the Union Pacific Railroad Foundation to two local animal assistance organizations.  The Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary and the Spay and Neuter Action Program (SNAP) have been awarded $650 each to further their missions.

“We save animal lives, we don’t litter” said SNAP director Sherry Gara.  She noted that two animals can produce over 1,130,000 offspring, and the local shelter alone euthanizes 40 animals per day.  Representative Cote added that “we have a huge problem in Dona Ana County with stray and abused animals.  This is probably one of the best methods to prevent such abuse.  I would encourage others also get involved by spaying or neutering their pets and reporting abuses.  After all, pets depend on humans to care for them with kindness. Our pets provide us such great comfort and companionship. Let’s all join together and do the right thing for our animals.”  SNAP is located at 365 Avenida de Mesilla.  The program’s phone number is 524-9265

Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary is a private non-profit organization that shelters abused and abandoned dogs and cats, including those needing homes because owners are no longer able to care for them.  Executive Director Lorna Harris said the shelter practices a no-kill policy, and provides a place for needy pets to live while it attempts to place them in new, loving homes.  Safe Haven is not affiliated with or financed by any municipal, county, state or federal government agency.  Its main source of funding is Thrift Shop sales of donated items.  The shop is located at 144 Wyatt Drive in Las Cruces, and is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM through 1:00 PM.  The shop’s phone number is 541-4942.

Safe Haven’s current facility (Cronin Ranch) is located on three acres of land in Dona Ana County. The ranch has kennels, a cattery, and play areas accommodating up to 21 dogs and 30 cats.  Call 575-805-5338 for directions to Sanctuary.

“On behalf of all our animal friends in the Las Cruces area, I’d like to extend our thanks to the Union Pacific Railroad Foundation for its generosity and working with me on providing grants to both of these worthy organizations,” said Cote.