In a landmark decision, members of Mexico City’s Congress overwhelmingly approved an initiative to permit non-violent bullfighting within the capital. The measure, introduced by Mayor Clara Brugada, aims to preserve traditional bullfighting events while eliminating practices deemed harmful to animals.
The ruling garnered 61 votes in favor, 1 vote against, and 0 abstentions, paving the way for the newly established “Bullfighting Spectacle without Violence” Act. The legislation will now be forwarded to the Head of Government for official publication in the Mexico City Gazette.
Under this new act, the following provisions will apply:
- Prohibition of Violent Bullfights: Sharp objects or devices that could wound bulls are barred from use.
- Creation of ‘Bullfighting without Violence’: A special category is established to host bullfighting events without harming the animals.
- No Killing of the Bull: At the end of each show, the bull returns unharmed; it will no longer be sacrificed.
- Protection of Bull Horns: Specific safeguards prevent injuries to the bulls’ horns from other animals or people.
- Time Limit Per Bull: Each bull appears in the ring for a maximum of 10 minutes.
Mayor Brugada cited extensive consultation with animal protection groups and bullfighting promoters to balance cultural traditions with animal welfare. The initiative also aims to protect jobs in the sector while aligning with growing demands for more humane treatment of animals.
Not everyone supported the measure. Protesters for and against the initiative gathered outside the legislative building, leading to scuffles with officers from the Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC). One police officer sustained a suspected broken nose, and three individuals were detained and later handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Mexico City has a history of enacting legislation to protect animals. In 2017, the Constituent Assembly recognized animals as sentient beings and established citizens’ ethical and legal duties to respect their lives and ensure their well-being. Article 4 of the Mexico City Constitution prohibits animal mistreatment and mandates government protection, conservation, and care.
Mayor Brugada underscored that adapting these constitutional principles to bullfighting was a logical next step, saying, “Mexico City is the federal entity in the country that defends animals the most and is most committed to their protection. Our laws cannot lag behind this society. We must always move forward, and we cannot lag behind the Constitution.”
With the passage of the “Bullfighting Spectacle without Violence” Act, Mexico City stands at the forefront of a new era in the age-old tradition of bullfighting—one that seeks to respect local culture while prioritizing the humane treatment of animals.
