Mexico City Enacts Ban on Traditional Bullfighting Amidst Animal Rights Concerns

In a landmark decision, the Mexico City legislature has outlawed traditional bullfighting, emphasizing compassion towards animals while maintaining the cultural significance of the practice.

In a decisive move towards animal rights, Mexico City has become the first major bullfighting hub to ban traditional bullfighting practices. On March 18, 2025, lawmakers passed a law that prohibits injuring or killing bulls for sport, marking a significant change in the largest bullfighting arena in the world. The legislation, supported by President Claudia Sheinbaum, passed overwhelmingly with a vote of 61-1.

The new law introduces an alternative format known as "bullfighting without violence," which allows bulls to enter the arena without the risk of harm. This model includes specific regulations to limit the time bulls spend in the ring and restrict bullfighters to using only capes. Legislator Xochitl Bravo Espinosa, a key advocate for the ban, expressed her commitment to animal welfare while also highlighting the necessity for a modified bullfighting model. She noted that the change is designed to support those who rely on the bullfighting industry for their livelihood, including vendors at La Plaza México, a historical venue that can accommodate 42,000 spectators.

However, the decision has sparked considerable backlash from bullfighting advocates. On the day the legislation was passed, protestors gathered outside the legislature, voicing their dissension and claiming that this law is merely the beginning of what they consider a battle to protect their beloved tradition. Various bullfighting organizations released a joint statement urging continued activism to preserve the cultural heritage tied to the sport.

As the city navigates the transition to this new form of bullfighting, the dialogue between cultural preservation and animal rights is set to intensify in Mexico and beyond.