Mexico City bans violent bullfighting, sparking outrage and celebration

Mexico City lawmakers on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to ban violent bullfighting, triggering outrage from aficionados and celebration from animal rights advocates.

The legislation, approved by a 61-1 vote, prohibits the killing of bulls and the use of sharp objects that could injure the animals. It also sets time limits on how long bulls could be in the ring, all part of an initiative dubbed “bullfighting without violence”.

The decision sparked angry protests from bullfighting supporters and matadors, some of whom tried to breach a police barricade at the local Congress. Some carried signs that read “Being a fan of la fiesta brava (bullfighting) is not a crime, it’s a point of pride”.

Meanwhile, animal rights protesters and lawmakers pushing the bill celebrated, walking out onto the steps of Congress surrounded by police in riot gear, pumping their fists and carrying stuffed bull dolls.

“It was either this or nothing,” said Sofia Morin, an animal rights activist with the organisation Culture Without Torture, Mexico Without Bullfighting, leading the initiative to change the laws. “We prefer this because, without a doubt, it’s a huge step in protecting animals.”