New Mexico is a schizoid state when it comes to attitudes toward animals, both domesticated and wild. They can vary from overtly neglectful or abusive to wonderfully compassionate. Animal shelters, sanctuaries and rescue groups are numerous, but the quality of care varies from place to place. And although the Felony Animal Cruelty Law was passed in 1999, it's not easy to prosecute and unfortunately, cases of animal cruelty can still be found.

As in most states, "kill" shelters and pounds for homeless pets are located in every county and municipal area. No-kill shelters are less common, but they're out there: Animal Network Efforts by Women, Inc., in Albuquerque; Homeless Animal Rescue Team in Los Lunas; People's Anti-Cruelty Association of New Mexico, Inc. and Animal Rescue in Albuquerque; Placitas Animal Rescue in Placitas; Pound Puppies in Albuquerque; Bridging the Worlds and Kindred Spirits Animal Sanctuary in Santa Fe; Heart and Soul Animal Sanctuary in Bernal; and Sundance Ranch Feline Sanctuary in Clovis, to name a few, do not euthanize adoptable animals.

There are also sanctuaries for other species, such as wolves and wolf dogs (Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Ramah and Wolfsong Ranch Foundation in Rodeo). Homeless, abused horses can find shelter at Walkin N Circles Ranch in Edgewood. Four Corners Equine Rescue in Aztec, Bomar Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Belen, and The Horse Shelter in Cerrillos. There is even a shelter, Silver Saddle Ranch in Sandia Park, specifically for farm animals such as llamas and alpacas, sheep, pigs, cows, horses, chickens, ducks and turkeys. I have worked with the dedicated Ulla Pederson, a nurse and the director of Kindred Spirits in Santa Fe, who specializes in dog and cat eldercare but also takes in horses and poultry. I am also acquainted with Natalie Owings of Heart and Soul in Bernal, who once considered becoming a nun but decided that animals needed her attention more. She also cares for needy horses and farm birds. Another dedicated animal person is Joyce Fay of Corrales, a photographer who uses her talents to find homes for homeless shelter and rescue group animals through her organization, Bro and Tracy Animal Welfare, Inc. There are also individuals and rescue groups that specialize in pets such as ferrets and rabbits.

Yet other New Mexico groups specialize in rescuing prairie dogs, birds of prey, wildcats, reptiles and other native wildlife. Talking Talons Youth Leadership in Tijeras gets kids involved in rescuing, rehabilitating and relocating birds. Wildlife Rescue Inc. of New Mexico and the Santa Fe Raptor Center also focus on public education through their rescued and rehabilitated animals. Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood displays non-releasable rescued wild animals to the public for educational purposes. Veterinarian Kathleen Ramsay, the renowned founder of The Wildlife Center in Espanola, cares for injured wild animals and returns them to the wild.

For the most comprehensive listing of animal rescue groups, shelters and sanctuaries in New Mexico, go to www.petroglyphsnm.org/resource .html.

Learn more about this author, Ardeth Baxter.
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