Bullfighting was brought to Mexico from Spain during the 16th century and has since become an integral part of the national culture, attracting the tourists and locals alike. The largest bullring in the world, Plaza Mexico, is located in Mexico City and can accommodate more than 40,000 attendees.
Although this tradition has historically provided economic benefits and job opportunities, it has come under growing scrutiny from animal rights advocates who consider it cruel. In most regions of Mexico, violent bullfighting is still permitted, with only a few states prohibiting the practice.
In recent years, numerous Latin American nations have prohibited violent bullfighting. Bloodless bullfighting has been also embraced in Portugal and the state of California in the United States. Spain, however, continues to permit the killing of the animal.
In a move aimed at addressing animal cruelty concerns while maintaining a long-standing cultural tradition, Mexico City legislators have cast their votes in favor of transforming present day violent bullfights into bloodless events. This decision also comes in the wake of a recent incident in which a bull severely injured a matador.
Earlier this month, at the Corrida de Carnaval in Tlaxcala, matador Emilio Macias suffered a serious goring from a bull. While attempting the final thrust, the bull unexpectedly lunged, catching Macias with its horn between his legs and lifting him off the ground for several seconds. He was promptly transported to a hospital, where he underwent a nine-hour surgical procedure to treat injuries to his rectum, colon, and right hip.
The new law, which passed with a vote of 61-1, prohibits the killing or harming of animals during the corrida and forbids matadors from using sharp instruments like swords. The bulls will also have their horns covered to minimize the risk of injury to humans. A time limit of 15 minutes has also been established for how long bulls may remain in the ring.
Originally, the initiative to make bullfights bloodless originated from citizens and received backing from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada.
Some protests over the new legislation broke out in Mexico City with the supporters of the traditional bullfighting demonstrating outside the Mexican Congress building. Riot police had to be called following clashes that erupted between opposing groups of protesters.