In a landmark decision, Mexico City’s Congress has officially prohibited traditional bullfights. The Mexico City bullfighting ban, passed on March 18, immediately outlaws the killing of bulls both inside and outside the arena, as stated in a press release by Humane World for Animals Mexico.
With an overwhelming 61-1 vote, legislators have also forbidden any physical harm to bulls, including the use of sharp weapons such as swords or spears. Moreover, under the new law, bulls involved in these events will now receive full legal protection against mistreatment, removing previous exemptions under animal welfare laws.
Animal rights organizations and advocates have celebrated this decision as a crucial step toward eliminating the suffering of animals for entertainment. Anton Aguilar, executive director of Humane World for Animals Mexico, acknowledged that although this is not a total ban, it represents significant progress in preventing cruelty.
“This legislation ensures bulls will no longer endure the agony of being repeatedly pierced and ultimately slain in the ring. It also signals a wider societal shift toward compassion and ethical responsibility,” Aguilar said. However, he noted that while the law eliminates direct violence, bulls may still experience stress from transportation, the noisy environment of the arena, and the spectacle surrounding the event.
Mexico City Bullfighting Ban and Government Support
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has voiced her approval of the initiative, which was introduced last week by Clara Brugada, the head of government in Mexico City. This move follows a suspension of bullfighting in the capital back in May 2022, when a judge ruled against the practice. However, in December 2023, the Supreme Court overturned that decision without explanation, leading to the return of bullfights in early 2024.
During the brief revival of bullfighting, a total of 54 bulls were slaughtered in Mexico City’s nine-day season. This fueled further debates on the ethics of the tradition, eventually leading to the newly enacted ban.
Mexico City Bullfighting Ban and Its Global Impact
Bullfighting in Mexico differs from its Spanish counterpart, but both involve intense suffering for the animals involved. With approximately 180,000 bulls killed worldwide each year in these events, the Mexico City bullfighting ban serves as a significant precedent in the movement toward greater animal rights protections.
While the law does not completely eliminate bull-related events, it sends a strong message against animal cruelty and emphasizes a shift toward humane entertainment options. Activists continue to advocate for a full prohibition, hoping Mexico City’s stance will inspire broader changes both nationally and globally.
Table of Contents
Source:www.people.com
