Mexico City lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly to ban violent bullfighting in a move celebrated by animal rights advocates and criticized by the bullfighting industry. The legislation prohibits any events resulting in the maiming or killing of bulls and restricts the use of sharp tools by matadors. Mayor Clara Brugada supports the initiative as a transition to 'violence-free' bullfighting while addressing animal cruelty. The law has ignited protests and backlash from those who view bullfighting as a cultural tradition vital to the economy, highlighting the growing tensions around animal rights and cultural practices.
The legislation was passed in a 61-1 vote on Tuesday. It prohibits events where the animals are killed or wounded and bans matadors from using sharp objects such as swords.
Mayor Clara Brugada said the initiative was an attempt to move toward "violence-free" bullfighting, stating that the capital cannot allow "cruelty as a spectacle, much less the long pain and death of an animal for entertainment."
Anton Aguilar noted that while the ban is a step against animal cruelty, "a bull event without violence does not mean one without suffering, as bulls will still be subjected to significant and completely unnecessary stress."
Bullfighting advocates argue that the industry's economic contribution is significant, with 80,000 jobs created in 2023, emphasizing its cultural importance.
Collection
[
|
...
]