Lawmakers in Mexico City have overwhelmingly approved a ban on violent bullfighting, sparking a strong reaction from both opponents and supporters of the tradition.
The new law, passed by a 61-1 vote, prohibits the killing of bulls and the use of sharp objects that could injure the animals. It also imposes time limits on how long bulls can remain in the arena as part of the “bullfighting without violence” initiative.
The decision led to protests from matadors and bullfighting enthusiasts, some of whom attempted to break through a police barricade outside the local Congress. Protesters held signs that read, “Being a bullfighting fan is not a crime, it’s a point of pride.”
Meanwhile, animal rights activists and supporters of the law celebrated their victory, emerging from Congress with stuffed bull toys and raising their fists in triumph.
Bullfighting has long been a part of Latin America’s cultural heritage, but it has faced growing criticism for its cruelty—bulls are often killed at the end of the spectacle. According to animal rights groups, approximately 180,000 bulls are killed worldwide in bullfighting each year.
