Bull death prohibited in Mexico City: First step toward ending bullfighting?

March 18, 2025 will be etched in Mexico's memory as the day innocent animal blood stopped being spilled in the bullring. In a session starting at 8 AM, the local Congress approved with a majority of 61 votes in favor, 1 against, and no abstentions the bill prohibiting injuries, death, and the use of piercing instruments in bullfighting shows. "This marks the beginning of the end of bullfighting in Mexico City", stated Green Party parliamentary coordinator Jesús Sesma.

Despite hordes of bullfighting supporters, cockfighters, and rodeo enthusiasts creating violent scenes outside Congress, legislators acted as society demanded. Animal advocates required police escort to the Ángel de la Independencia monument to await the vote, as security forces struggled to contain protesters' aggression.

This culminates years of efforts by AnimaNaturalis and México Sin Toreo coalition members. After a citizen initiative backed by 27,442 signatures, politicians could no longer ignore the issue. While civil society demanded complete abolition of this macabre practice, the bill was modified by Mayor Clara Brugada to eliminate bloodshed, torture, and animal deaths in the ring while allowing bullfighting shows to continue.

"This is a giant step toward eradicating these spectacles", stated Arturo Berlanga, director of AnimaNaturalis Mexico. "Bullfighters have already said they won't accept these regulations. Without blood, there's no business". Not all share this optimism. "This is a disguised prohibition that will destroy jobs and traditions", claimed Raúl Pérez Johnston, lawyer for Tauromaquia Mexicana. "Without death, there's no thrill. Without wounds, there's no art", he added.

Between ethics and business

The debate transcends legality - it's moral. Numerous scientific studies confirm fighting bulls experience extreme stress: cortisol levels spike 400% during shows. "They're sentient beings, not entertainment objects", insists Berlanga, recalling Mexico City's 2022 constitutional recognition of animals as "rights-bearing subjects". Bullfighting advocates dismiss societal moral progress, prioritizing the 4,000 direct jobs and 12,000 indirect jobs allegedly dependent on Plaza México. Without providing sources, industry leaders claim annual losses could reach $500 million pesos. Brugada promised job retraining programs but emphasized the bill aligns with Mexico City's Constitution.

"What value does culture have when built on suffering?" challenges Sofía Morín of México Sin Toreo. "Society no longer tolerates watching animals die for applause". A recent Parametría poll shows 73% of capital residents support total prohibition. Meanwhile, bullfighting groups threaten legal challenges: "No one will pay to see an unharmed bull after 10 minutes of cape maneuvers", says Jorge Arriaga of Tauromaquia Mexicana.

Key provisions of the regulation:

1. Non-violent bullfighting shows prohibit injuries during and outside events, as well as bull deaths inside or outside the ring. Physical integrity must be guaranteed. 
2. Bulls' horns must be protected to prevent injuries to other animals or people. 
3. After non-violent shows, bulls must be returned to breeding farms.
4. Use of piercing objects causing wounds or death (banderillas, swords, etc.) is prohibited. Only capes and muletas allowed.
5. Maximum 10-minute performance per bull, with 6 animals maximum per event. 
6. Fines range from 226,280 to 339,420 pesos per injured/killed animal based on current measurement units.

For animal advocates, this reform is a milestone but not the finish line. "Today we celebrate that bulls won't die in Mexico City, but tomorrow we keep working to eradicate all spectacles normalizing mockery, harassment, or exploitation of innocent beings", emphasizes Berlanga.