Among the worst fates that can befall an animal is becoming a circus attraction. Animals in circuses are forced to travel without interruption and to perform in "shows" that violate their nature, bent into shape only through violence and coercion until they are reduced to pale caricatures of what they once were.

Mexico has said enough to this senseless form of torture: the Mexican parliament adopted, by a clear majority, a law banning the use of exotic animals in circuses. The decision dates back to last December but came into force on 9 January with the signature of President Enrique Peña Nieto and its publication in the Official Gazette.

Mexican circuses that still exploit animals in their shows will therefore have 180 days to hand them over to dedicated sanctuaries in Mexico, the United States and Canada, where they will be able to gradually recover some peace and, as far as possible, reconnect with their wild side. Any establishments that violate the new law will face a fine of €150,000.

In reality, many circuses have already given up using animals; the decision to ban them had, in fact, already been adopted at local level by many cities before becoming national policy. "The ban in Mexico is a milestone for ending the abuse of animals in the name of entertainment," declared Jan Creamer, president of the association Animal Defenders International. "The world is changing — it is now time for nations such as the United Kingdom and the United States to join the others and do the same."

Numerous countries in South America and Central America have adopted similar laws, demonstrating a greater sensitivity than the rest of the world. Bolivia was the pioneer in 2009 (having also banned the use of domestic animals), and its example was followed by Peru, Paraguay, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Colombia, to which Mexico now adds itself, with Brazil, Ecuador and Chile potentially set to follow suit soon.

The West, which so often professes its own moral superiority, is now awaited to fall in line. The civilisation and greatness of a nation are also demonstrated by how it treats the most vulnerable, whatever species they belong to.