Federal Judge Upholds Ban on Captive Dolphin Shows

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — A federal judge has denied a request to suspend the enforcement of the General Wildlife Law, commonly referred to as the "Mincho Law," which prohibits the use of captive marine mammals in entertainment shows. The ruling deals a blow to dolphinariums in the region, including the company Delphinus Blue Planet, which had filed an injunction against the law's implementation.

Judge Prioritizes Animal Welfare in Landmark Decision

The Ninth District Court, overseeing the case, emphasized the protection of animal welfare in its decision, rejecting the suspension that would have allowed Delphinus Blue Planet to continue exploiting dolphins in captivity. The reforms, enacted in mid-July, stem from widespread activism following the death of the dolphin Mincho, who died after crashing outside a pool at the Barceló Hotel dolphinarium.

During the incidental hearing for the indirect amparo lawsuit (No. 777/2025) on Thursday, August 14, the judge ruled against the dolphinarium’s request. The following day, the court issued a statement reinforcing its stance:

"For decades, animals have been used in performances or human interactions under the 'supposed' objective of education and entertainment. Unfortunately, there is ample evidence showing the reality of animals captured and held in captivity for human amusement," stated the Ninth District Judge.

The court further elaborated:

"Recognizing animals not only as members of a species but as individual living beings capable of experiencing fear, suffering, and pain, one of the demands of the right to a healthy environment is that humans must live in harmony with other species—not because these species are 'persons,' but because humans should not act with hostility and cruelty toward animals."

Legal Battle May Continue

The ruling can still be appealed through a complaint motion. The "Mincho Law" reforms were enacted following public outcry over the death of Mincho, a dolphin that suffered fatal injuries after leaping from its enclosure at the Barceló Hotel’s dolphinarium. Authorities later suspended the facility’s operating permits.

Delphinus Blue Planet had argued against the law’s enforcement, claiming it would harm their business operations. However, the court’s decision reinforces the legal shift toward greater protections for marine mammals in captivity.

The case highlights ongoing debates over animal rights and commercial entertainment, setting a precedent for future legal challenges involving wildlife exploitation in Mexico.