In a major boost for animal activists, lawmakers in Mexico city have voted to ban bull fighting with cruelty keeping the tradition alive but with strict rules against injury of the animal. On March 18, 2025, the Mexico City Congress overwhelmingly passed the legislation aimed at eliminating the cruelty inherent in these bullfighting events. It is true that this reform is the right step to take, but many animal rights supporters believe that only a complete prohibition will truly stop the suffering of these innocent animals in the arena. Let’s learn more about this legislation and the controversy surrounding bullfighting in Mexico.
Legislative Reform is the First Step Toward Ending the Suffering of these Bulls
This recently passed legislation got approved by a 61-1 majority. The legislation now prohibits the use of sharp tools, such as swords, hooks, and banderillas, during bullfighting. All of these tools have traditionally been used to harm and kill the bulls in the fighting arena in the most gruesome manner! What’s more, the duration of these bullfights has also been curtailed in order to reduce the bulls’ stress and suffering. However, supporters say that even though bullfighting is a cultural heritage of Mexico, that argument can never be used to justify cruelty towards animals. According to animal rights advocates, there is zero justification for bringing bulls into the fighting arena to be tormented in the name of ‘cultural heritage’.
The Impact of the Immediate Implementation of This Law
The good news is, these new rules went into effect immediately after the law passed, a factor that shows that finally, after so many decades, the government is showing some earnestness to actually resolve animal cruelty concerns. Some say that making bullfighting a “bloodless” event just by eliminating its most brutal features is enough, but does that sound right? Activists claim that even without physical harm, these fights cause the bulls anxiety and great anguish for entertainment purposes, which is completely unacceptable.
Historical Context and Legal Battles
These reforms didn’t come easy! You should know, years and years of protests, many judicial challenges, and shifting public opinion were the factors that finally helped pave the way for these reforms. For example, back in 2022, a judge in Mexico City Court temporarily prohibited bullfighting in response to animal rights groups’ claims about animal maltreatment, however, Mexico’s Supreme Court reversed the ban in December 2023. A heartbreaking setback for animal lovers! Under the Mexico Supreme Court order, bullfighting quickly returned again with just a few regulation changes. This time it seems different though, because this new legislation truly signals a renewed effort to address serious ethical concerns about the horrible practice.
A Growing Momentum for Animal Welfare in Mexico
This new legislation didn’t suddenly come out of nowhere! This Mexico City law actually matches the much broader national trend of recognizing and defending animal rights, including the rights of the bulls in the bullfighting practice. Before Mexico City, bullfighting got banned in other states, such as Sonora, Guerrero, Coahuila, Quintana Roo, and Sinaloa, as well. Activists say these bans show a shifting societal perspective that now values compassion and empathy over cruel tradition!
Sofía Morín, an animal rights activist with the organization Culture Without Torture, Mexico Without Bullfighting, celebrating with others on steps of congress said “It was either this or nothing,” said leading the initiative to change the laws. “We prefer this because, without a doubt, it’s a huge step in protecting animals.”
Activists Say Now is The Time for a Complete Ban
Even though the activists agree that this current law is a huge step forward, they still strongly believe the law doesn’t go far enough! They argue that as long as bullfighting exists in any form, the bulls will continue to be subjected to unnecessary suffering just for human entertainment, and the only way to protect them from this cruelty is to ban bullfighting completely.
Sumi Sarkar from India holds a B Tech degree in Information Technology, is a freelance film maker, scriptwriter, content editor who loves animals, especially dogs.
