Mexico City lawmakers have enacted an overhaul of bullfighting legislation that prohibits violent practices associated with the centuries-old tradition, a decision applauded by animal rights activists but met with fierce opposition from aficionados. The new law, passed with a remarkable 61-1 vote, disallows the killing of bulls and the use of sharp instruments intended to harm the animals. The legislation introduces a format dubbed “bullfighting without violence,” which aims to preserve the cultural practice while prioritizing animal welfare. This initiative also imposes strict time limits on how long bulls can remain in the ring.

This landmark decision prompted vehement protests from bullfighting supporters, who clashed with police outside the local Congress in an effort to express their dissent. Many demonstrators carried placards with slogans such as “Being a fan of la fiesta brava is not a crime; it’s a point of pride.” The protest was notably aggressive, with some supporters attempting to breach police barricades to gain entry into the legislative building. According to Source, this division represents a long-standing cultural conflict.

Animal rights activists hailed the passage of the bill as a historic victory, with Sofía Morín from Culture Without Torture stating, “It was either this or nothing.” However, the economic ramifications of this shift have also been a subject of concern, as the National Association of Breeders of Fighting Bulls highlights the industry’s significant economic contributions — generating nearly $400 million annually and supporting 80,000 jobs.

The controversy surrounding bullfighting is not new; previous attempts to ban the practice have also ended in heated debate. In 2023, Mexico’s Supreme Court had overturned a prohibition on bullfighting activities, prompting a resurgence of these events across Mexico. The traditional sport is fraught with ethical scrutiny, especially as animal rights groups estimate around 180,000 bulls are killed each year in globally recognizable arenas.

The new legislation comes at a time of heightened awareness regarding animal welfare and public sentiment shifting across Latin America. Other countries have recently adopted similar bans, reflecting broader cultural changes in the perception of bullfighting. As Mayor Clara Brugada remarked, the legislation marks a step towards making Mexico City “a place that respects the rights of animals,” aiming for a compromise that honors both tradition and humanitarian concerns. For further information, visit NY Times.