Mexico City Bans Use Of Animals In Circuses With Hefty Fine Of $45K To $60K

The initiative to ban circuses using animals in their shows was approved Monday by the Legislative Assembly of Mexico City. However, the owners of circuses will have one year from the publication of the law in the city's Official Gazette to enact the ban. The new legislation, which includes amendments to the Act to Hold Public Events in Mexico City, was driven by the Green Party of Mexico and had the support of the PRI, the National Action Party (PAN) and the majority of the assembly of the PRD.

With 41 votes in favor and 11 abstentions, the opinion was adopted - it includes "holding ban for circuses to utilize animals in their show, both wild and domestic animals." The legislation was adopted and also indicated that "it is strictly prohibited, to present in circus shows, give away, distribute, sell and generally make any use of live animals as prizes in sweepstakes, games, contests, raffles, lotteries, to be in photographs or any other similar activity. "

In the event of a breach, the Mexico City authorities may seize the animals. "With this law, District authorities are granted the power to request temporary or final custody of the animals: the competent authority must grant such custody if they have the space and staff to ensure proper care due to the animal in question, having the authority and support to maintain the animal in safety during this temporary seizure" the opinion stated.. A person who violates this provision, the authorities sanctioned with a fine of over 700 thousand pesos.