Mexico legislators have changed the course in the history of bullfighting by voting Tuesday Tuesday to ban the murder of bulls and the use of swords or other sharp objects that could injure them.
The legislation, approved by a 61-1 vote, effectively transforms the spectacle into “bullfighting without lower” or “bloodless” – although the new law only applies to Mexico City, on the Plaza México site, the largest survey in the world.
“Today, we are taking a step towards a new relationship with animals – one where coexistence is not based on domination but on respect,” said Daniela álvarez, president of the Committee on Constitutional Questions and Citizens’ Initiatives, to the newspaper El Universal. “This reform does not aim to erase history but rather to write a new chapter in which tradition and compassion are walking hand in hand.”
Animal rights activists and the mayor of Mexico City, Clara Brugada celebrated this decision as a major victory. Brugada, whose initial proposal to prohibit the strings in which the bulls are killed or injured have been applauded by President Claudia Sheinbaum, said the capital will now be a place “that respects animal rights”.
“Blood spectacle cannot be justified as art or tradition,” she said. “Culture is evolving and we are responsible for transforming it in favor of animal welfare.”
According to a press release from the Mexico Government, Changes in the animal welfare law provide:
- More violent corridors, nor variations in which the bulls traditionally undergo wounds or death – as Ravpeos (corrida on horseback), bull corridies (with novice bulls and younger bulls) and Becerradas (Training exercises).
- Create the concept of a “bull show without violence”.
- No murder of the bull inside or outside the arenas; The animals will be returned to their herd once the show is over.
- The protection of the physical integrity of the Bulls, avoiding ill -treatment before, during and after the event.
- Eliminate the use of sharp objects such as strips, swords and spears, allowing only to use the CAP and the muleta (the smallest red fabric used towards the end).
- Put a padding on the horns of the bull to avoid harming people or other animals.
- Limit each bullfight to 15 minutes, depending on several sources or 30 minutes, depending on the newspaper The country.
Tuesday’s vote seemed to be an attempt to negotiate a compromise between two sides at the war of the debate. Since 2009, more than 20 initiatives have been introduced to prohibit corrida in Mexico City.
Although a ban was promulgated in 2022, A year and a half later, it was Raised by the Supreme Court of Mexico. That led to A day of bullfighting at the Plaza México in January 2024, only to have The decision of a judge suspends such an activity Less than three days after about 40,000 fans witnessed six corridia – and the murder of the six bulls.
Plaza México, also known as the Monumental Plaza de Toros, has hosted corridia since 1946 and is the only functional place of sport in Mexico City. It has a capacity of 41,200 but has sometimes welcomed more than 50,000 spectators.
The new legislation, which was born from a citizen initiative presented in September 2024, sparked angry demonstrations of supporters and matadors in bullfight, some of whom tried to rape a police barricade outside the government building. A person wore a sign that said: “Being a fan of bullfighting is not a crime. It is a point of pride. “
Considered a long time considered a tradition and a hobby in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, the bullfight was criticized for cruelty towards animals because the bulls are generally killed at the end of the fight. Animal rights groups say that around 180,000 bulls are killed each year in bullfighting worldwide.
“It is an activity where the combat bull dies in a arècle. It is its nature … It’s a beast,” shouted a fan of bulls in a megaphone outside the town hall.
Arturo Saldívar, a professional bull who also protested, expressed his concern about the future of his profession and the survival of the Fighting Bull race.
Estimates from the Mexican Association of Net Entrepreneurs indicate that 40,000 direct jobs and 80,000 indirect jobs are threatened due to the change.
In addition, the decision will harm local businesses and tourism. Restaurants and hotels near the Plaza de Toros have traditionally seen sales increased up to 60% during the Taurelle season, according to the newspaper Expansión.
“Corrida without violence” is also practiced in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Tanzania, in certain parts of Bolivia and California in traditional Portuguese festivals. However, most of these practices are not legally recognized or as formally structured such as new regulations in Mexico City.
Activists now turn their attention to the adoption of similar laws in other Mexican states or cities. According to Human world for animals, Previously known as the Humane Society, corrida is prohibited in Sonora, Guerrero, Sinaloa, Coahuila and Quintana Roo, but it remains legal in all other states and has obtained the status of “intangible part of cultural heritage” in at least eight states.
With reports from The universal,, The country,, Associated Press And Excelsior
