New Mexico trapper acquitted in case that prompted new law

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A northern New Mexico man has been acquitted of illegal trapping charges stemming from an incident that caused a dog’s strangulation death and prompted a new state law prohibiting trapping on public land. A jury on Wednesday acquitted 44-year-old Marty Cordova of Chimayo of several crimes regarding trapping fur-bearing animals, including trapping within 25 yards of a public road. Cordova was charged after an 8-year-old heeler mix named Roxy died at Santa Cruz Lake as the dog’s owner tried to free it from a snare trap. The new law banning use of traps, snares and wildlife poison on public lands takes effect next April.