Pamela Anderson urges end to cockfighting

ALBUQUERQUE, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Former "Baywatch" star Pamela Anderson has asked New Mexico's governor to ban cockfighting in his state, it was reported Tuesday.

Anderson made the plea in a letter to Gov. Bill Richardson last week, the Albuquerque Journal reported. The only other state where cockfighting is legal is Louisiana.

"The whole country is watching, especially Hollywood, which your office actively courts for the film business," Anderson wrote.

A bill to outlaw cockfights passed New Mexico's House of Representatives but died in the Senate in 2003, where opponents argued the practice was important to the state's western and Hispanic heritage.

The governor's office didn't comment on whether he intends to introduce legislation to ban cockfighting in 2005, but a state senator said he's sure the issue will be on the agenda.

Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez said he will ask the City Council to ban cockfighting within city limits.

"It's my hope that the Legislature will follow," Chavez said Monday.