The banning of the use of animals in circuses continues to spread throughout Mexico as Coahuila has become the next state to do so.

According to EFE, the ban means that animals can not be used in circus shows or in parades promoting shows. This ban also applies to the use of rabbits and doves in magician acts.

The state legislature agreed on the decision unanimously.

According to Jose Refugio Sandoval, a Mexican Green Party (PVEM) lawmaker, the banning of the animal "vaccinates" the community from violence and ends the cycle of children growing up and seeing animal abuse as commonplace.

In addition to Coahuila, states including Colima, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos and Queretaro have banned the use of animals in circus acts.

In June, Mexico City enacted the ban as well.

"The Federal District now consolidates itself as a progressive city in the vanguard of respect for the lives of non-human living creatures," Jesus Sesma, PVEM Federal District lawmaker, said at the time.

The Circus Owners and Artists Association, on the other hand, have shown their disapproval of the ban. The association plans to file an appeal with the Supreme Court.

Some argue that attendance numbers will drop if circuses don't have animals.

"[The ban] is completely arbitrary and unconstitutional," The Circus Owners and Artists Association said in a statement. "[The law is] unconstitutional, illegal, arbitrary and puts the existence of our businesses and the welfare of our animals at serious risk."

The states of Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Oaxaca, Puebla, Tamaulipas and Quintana Roo are also considering similar laws.

"If their goal is animal welfare improvements, regulate them," Stephen Payne, a spokesman for Feld Entertainment, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey owner, told The Associated Press in June. "Otherwise you're just driving these circuses to look for venues outside the federal district."
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