Bullfights have been a popular sporting event in Mexico City for a long time, but that’s about to change, because Mexico City’s Congress has officially voted to ban traditional bullfights.
The ban was announced on Tuesday, March 18, and involves “violent bullfights.” The move also introduces “new rules with immediate effect that ban the killing of bulls inside or outside the ring,” according to a press release from Humane World for Animals Mexico.
This vote wasn’t close, either. The legislation was approved by a 61-1 vote.
The move also bans the “infliction of physical injury such as stabbing animals with sharp objects like swords or spears.” In addition, the ban makes it clear that animals who take part in bullfights won’t be exempt from animal protection laws anymore. So, Mexico City’s bullfighting bulls will have complete legal protection from getting abused or killed.
According to the Associated Press, the ban also shortens the amount of time bulls are allowed to be in the ring for the events.
The change is a definite win for animal rights activists.
While the change isn’t a “complete ban” on bullfighting in the area, Anton Aguilar, executive director of Humane World for Animals Mexico, says it’s “an important step toward eradicating the torment and killing of animals for entertainment and a stronger commitment to compassion in our society.”
Aguilar added in a statement. “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. We welcome, too, the clear acknowledgment by the Mexico City government that traditional bullfights are inherently violent and socially unacceptable.”
According to Humane World for Animals, “Every year, approximately 180,000 bulls are killed in bullfights around the world, with many more killed or injured in bull fiesta events.” They also call bullfighting a “long, cruel death.”
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