Supremes Uphold Cockfighting Law

The state Supreme Court has denied cert -- in other words, won't hear -- a lawsuit filed by the New Mexico Gamefowl Association and others challenging the 2007 law against cockfighting, which went into effect last last.

That means the state Court of Appeal's upholding of the law remains in effect.

All five Supreme Court justices concurred with the decision.

Still alive, however, is a federal lawsuit filed by the Gamefowl Association in Las Cruces earlier this year.

LENO FOR GOVERNOR?

I didn't go to Jay Leno's show at Buffalo Thunder casino Saturday night, but two people told me this little anecdote, one of whom is a fellow reporter.

Apparently the governor attended the show with some staff and Leno recognized him from the stage. Leno made some reference to the CDR investigation -- I still haven't gotten exactly what he said -- and some people in the crowd yelled "Guilty!"

I don't know what, if any, Richardson's reaction to this was. But that's a sign things might be getting ugly.

Leno, by the way, is credited for influencing at least one New Mexico law -- at Richardson's expense. Back in 2006 on The Tonight Show, he made fun of a statement Richardson made about cockfighting.

“In New Mexico, Gov. Bill Richardson — this is unbelievable — Gov. Bill Richardson said he is still undecided about cockfighting, which is not banned in New Mexico. It’s still legal. This is what he said, he said there are arguments on both sides. Really? What is the good argument for cockfighting? Does this keep the roosters off the street?”

This got wide play, and a few months later, shortly before he began his presidential campaign, Richardson ended his neutrality on cockfighting. In 2007, the Legislature, with the governor's support, banned it.

FOR THOSE TIRED OF THE CDR SCANDAL ...

Here's a little news about a time-honored New Mexcio tradition from yesteryear: cockfighting.

From a news released from Peter Olson at the Department of Public Safety:

Drugs, Gambling, Animal Cruelty Arrest

Albuquerque—Working together DPS Special Investigations Division and State Police agents arrested an Albuquerque man on multiple charges involving narcotics, gambling and extreme animal cruelty.

State Police officers originally uncovered a cockfighting operation in rural Valencia County on January 3rd. Further investigation led them to the residence of Martin Elias ... on Foothills Road SW in Bernalillo County. State Police and SID agents executed a search warrant today and found dead and dying roosters, guns, narcotics and evidence of illegal gambling.

Agents found 77 roosters in poor health, cocaine and marijuana. Elias has been charged with 38 counts of extreme cruelty to animals, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of controlled medication, illegal possession of a firearm, tampering with evidence, commercial gambling, tampering with evidence, and obstructing or evading an officer.

The medication and gun charges will be referred to the ATF for further investigation and prosecution. SID agents will continue the investigation into illegal alcohol sales/service and commercial gambling. State Police agents will continue to investigate the animal cruelty and narcotics charges.

The Attorney General’s Animal Cruelty Task Force and Bernalillo County sheriff and animal control officers also assisted.