By PETE HERRERA Associated Press Writer

SANTA FE (AP)--A Senate committee on Tuesday narrowly quashed a bill to outlaw cockfighting in New Mexico, one of two states that still allow the blood sport.

The Senate Conservation Committee voted 5-4 against the legislation after hearing nearly three hours of testimony from both sides.

''This is an example of the Legislature continuing to ignore the will of the people of New Mexico,'' said Danielle Bays of Animal Protection Voters. ''We will continue to bring this bill before this body until the citizens of this state are heard and respected.''

Supporters of the bill could introduce a similar measure in the House, but the Senate committee's action makes it unlikely the legislation would succeed during the current session.

Louisiana is the only other state where cockfighting is legal.

Most proponents of keeping cockfighting legal in New Mexico contend it's part of the state's Hispanic culture and that it provides much-needed income for families in rural areas.

''Game cocks are a very unique breed,'' cockfighting proponent Arvizu told the Senate gallery. ''Over thousands of years, they have been bred to fight. It's their nature.''

Arturo Sandoval, who opposes the sport, said not all Hispanics accept cockfighting as part of their traditions.

''It's part of our culture that was acceptable 600 years ago,'' Sandoval said. ''It's barbaric ... and for anyone to say a majority of Latinos or Hispanos are in favor of cockfighting is inaccurate.''