Guadalajara, Mexico - Merilyn Gómez Pozos, the Federal Deputy from the state of Jalisco, announced she would be submitting an initiative to reform the Federal Wildlife Law to ban animal from circuses.

The Federal Deputy said, "Definitely, my greatest conviction is to eradicate any tolerance for any abuse or mistreatment of animals. In a democracy, all voices must be heard, and with that firm conviction we opened the Chamber of Deputies to hear the arguments for and against my legislative proposal to ban the use of animals in circuses."

The Deputy acknowledged that circus owners feel that banning animals would adversely affect their business.

"However," she said, "there are shows around the world who fill their bleachers and make millions without using a single animal, wild or domestic, in their acts. Also. there is strong evidence that after you subtract all the expenses of relocation, veterinarians, and room for the animals, there would be a savings for the owners."

The initiative will add to the growing support throughout the country for banning performing animals in Mexico’s circuses.