Mexico City bans bullfighting due to violence against animals

The CDMX Congress approved practically unanimously on Tuesday a ruling that prohibits bullfighting with violence. The initiative stipulates that after several minutes of bullfighting, the animal must be returned to its owner.

The initiative was proposed by Mayor Clara Brugada and has been approved with 61 votes in favor and only one against.

The ruling prohibits the use of pikes and swords during bullfights, as well as the protection of the horns to prevent injuries to the animal.

Some of the deputies justified their vote by emphasizing that animal suffering can't be justified with the excuse of tradition. They also highlighted that this is an issue that aligns the positions of the Government and the opposition.

Animal rights activists who gathered at the doors of the Mexico City Congress celebrated the result of the vote.

When will the approved ruling come into effect?

The ruling approved practically unanimously in the Congress will come into effect in seven months.

During this period, the capital's Executive must publish the new regulations governing non-violent bullfights in the capital of Mexico, a country with a deep bullfighting tradition.

Mexico City thus joins the list of Latin American countries and cities that have banned --or at least regulated-- bullfighting events. Colombia was last year the latest country to ban bullfights with the 'No More Olé' law with a period until 2027.

What will the new bullfights in CDMX be like?

The reform establishes the elimination of the use of sharp objects such as:

- Pikes

- Banderillas

- Swords

As well as the prohibition of causing injuries or death to the bull inside and outside the ring. It must also ensure the physical integrity of the bulls, including the protection of their horns to prevent injuries.

Non-violent bullfights will only allow the use of the cape and the muleta, with a maximum time of 15 minutes per specimen. Once the show is over, the bulls must be returned to their respective ranches.

The aim of this measure is to transform the Plaza de Toros México into a cultural and entertainment space that keeps the bullfighting tradition alive, but without animal suffering.

Impact on the economy and employment of bullfighting

The bullfighting sector generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs in CDMX, including bullfighters, ranchers, entrepreneurs, veterinarians, and staff. With the modification of the show, some experts anticipate a possible decrease in attendance and profitability of the sector.

In conclusion, the prohibition of bullfighting with violence in CDMX represents a change for bullfighting and its respective economy.

The bullfighting industry will face a period of adaptation with uncertainty, the transformation of the show could generate new business models and redefine the future of the Plaza de Toros México.