Mexico’s Parliament endorses ban on the use of marine mammals in shows

The plenary of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies has approved a draft decree reforming the General Wildlife Law to prohibit the use of marine mammals in shows.

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The initiative -considered of urgent resolution- has been approved with 331 votes in favor, 17 against and 125 abstentions, after it was submitted for discussion and voted immediately. It was then sent to the Senate.

This amendment, which prohibits the use of marine mammals in "any activity", specifies that it is a prohibition in shows, whether fixed or itinerant, while scientific research or teaching is excluded.

"The use of marine mammal specimens in fixed or traveling shows is prohibited, as well as in any activity whose purpose is not scientific research for their conservation", says the modification of the law, according to the Mexican newspaper 'El Universal'.

"The owners and keepers must guarantee the conservation of marine mammals in optimal conditions of dignified and respectful treatment until their death," states the law.

The law also prohibits the reproduction of specimens under intensive management for purposes other than repopulation.