Traditional bullfighting has been banned in México City and replaced by a bloodless spectacle, a decision hailed as a victory for animal rights activists who have been working for years to outlaw the practice in the Mexican capital.
“Bulls will no longer be subjected to the brutal cruelty of being repeatedly stabbed and ultimately killed in the ring, which is something we welcome,” states Anton Aguilar, the executive director of Humane World for Animals Mexico.
A citizens’ initiative first proposed a total ban, and Clara Brugada, the head of the México City government, introduced the concept of non-violent bullfight to retain the economic activity around the industry that supports tens of thousands of jobs. From now on, Monumental Plaza de Toros México, México City’s 42,000-seat bullfighting ring, will still hold bullfights, but without violence. Indeed, matadors will only be allowed to use capes to draw the bulls to charge them. The bull’s horns will be “protected” to prevent harm to the matador and other animals. Each fight will last only 15 minutes, after which the bull will return to its owner and ranch. It is now forbidden for bulls to die inside or outside of the ring. “Some will argue that it is part of traditions and culture, but culture, music, and art, even rights, change, evolve, transform,” says México’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum. “We big cities are obliged to transform at the same time. Animal welfare is a right and a duty for society.”
