Mexico City Prohibits Violent Bullfighting
A new law in Mexico City prohibits the killing or injuring of bulls during bullfights, aiming to address concerns regarding animal cruelty while also protecting matadors. This legislative change comes in response to a recent incident where...
TroibNews 
A new law in Mexico City prohibits the killing or injuring of bulls during bullfights, aiming to address concerns regarding animal cruelty while also protecting matadors. This legislative change comes in response to a recent incident where a matador was seriously injured by a bull.
The law was passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 61-1 on Tuesday. It bans the use of sharp objects by matadors, such as swords, and mandates that bulls have their horns covered to prevent injuries to humans. Additionally, a limit of 15 minutes has been established for how long bulls can remain in the ring.
As reported by the newspaper El Universal, the bill originated as a citizen initiative that received support from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada. Brugada took to social media to celebrate the law’s passage, calling it a move toward creating “a city which respects animal rights.” Estimates indicate that around 250,000 bulls are killed each year in bullfighting around the globe.
Supporters of bullfighting protested outside the Mexican Congress building on Tuesday, with some attempting to breach barriers set up for crowd control. Riot police intervened due to clashes between opposing groups of demonstrators.
Bullfighting was introduced to Mexico in the 16th century by the Spanish and has since become entrenched in the nation’s culture. Mexico City is home to the world’s largest bullring, Plaza Mexico, which can accommodate over 40,000 spectators. Despite historically generating revenue and jobs, the practice has faced mounting criticism from animal rights advocates who deem it inhumane. While violent bullfighting remains legal in most parts of Mexico, a few states have opted for prohibitions.
Earlier this month, during the Corrida de Carnaval in Tlaxcala, matador Emilio Macias was severely gored by a bull. The incident occurred when Macias attempted the final thrust; the bull charged unexpectedly, lifting the matador off the ground for several seconds. Macias was promptly taken to the hospital, where he underwent a nine-hour surgery for injuries to his rectum, colon, and right hip.
In recent years, numerous Latin American countries have outlawed violent bullfighting, while Spain continues to allow the killing of bulls. Bloodless bullfighting has gained traction in Portugal and California as well.
The new law in Mexico City will come into effect in 210 days, providing time for authorities to update regulations ahead of the new bullfighting season beginning in November.
Jessica Kline contributed to this article for TROIB News
The law was passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 61-1 on Tuesday. It bans the use of sharp objects by matadors, such as swords, and mandates that bulls have their horns covered to prevent injuries to humans. Additionally, a limit of 15 minutes has been established for how long bulls can remain in the ring.
As reported by the newspaper El Universal, the bill originated as a citizen initiative that received support from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada. Brugada took to social media to celebrate the law’s passage, calling it a move toward creating “a city which respects animal rights.” Estimates indicate that around 250,000 bulls are killed each year in bullfighting around the globe.
Supporters of bullfighting protested outside the Mexican Congress building on Tuesday, with some attempting to breach barriers set up for crowd control. Riot police intervened due to clashes between opposing groups of demonstrators.
Bullfighting was introduced to Mexico in the 16th century by the Spanish and has since become entrenched in the nation’s culture. Mexico City is home to the world’s largest bullring, Plaza Mexico, which can accommodate over 40,000 spectators. Despite historically generating revenue and jobs, the practice has faced mounting criticism from animal rights advocates who deem it inhumane. While violent bullfighting remains legal in most parts of Mexico, a few states have opted for prohibitions.
Earlier this month, during the Corrida de Carnaval in Tlaxcala, matador Emilio Macias was severely gored by a bull. The incident occurred when Macias attempted the final thrust; the bull charged unexpectedly, lifting the matador off the ground for several seconds. Macias was promptly taken to the hospital, where he underwent a nine-hour surgery for injuries to his rectum, colon, and right hip.
In recent years, numerous Latin American countries have outlawed violent bullfighting, while Spain continues to allow the killing of bulls. Bloodless bullfighting has gained traction in Portugal and California as well.
The new law in Mexico City will come into effect in 210 days, providing time for authorities to update regulations ahead of the new bullfighting season beginning in November.
Jessica Kline contributed to this article for TROIB News
