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A new law in Mexico City outlaws killing or harming bulls during bullfights, while also aiming to protect the bullfighter.
Mexico City legislators have overwhelmingly voted to make bullfights bloodless in an effort to answer the concerns of animal rights groups while also maintaining a centuries-old tradition. The ban also comes after a recent event in which a matador was badly hurt by a bull.
The law, passed by a vote of 61-1 on Tuesday, forbids killing or injuring the bulls during the show and bans matadors from using sharp instruments, such as swords. The bull’s horns will be covered to prevent them from hurting people. The bull can only be in the ring for 15 minutes at most.
According to the newspaper El Universal, the bill was originally a citizen initiative that was backed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada.
Brugada celebrated the law’s passing on social media, calling it a step toward making the capital city into “a city which respects animal rights.” Estimates show that roughly 250,000 bulls are killed each year in bullfighting around the world.
Supporters of bullfighting protested outside the Mexican Congress building on Tuesday. Some even tried to get past barricades. After fights broke out between opposing protest groups, riot police stepped in.
Bullfighting was brought to Mexico from Spain in the 16th century and has since become a key part of the country’s culture. Mexico City is home to the Plaza Mexico, the world’s largest bullring, which can hold more than 40,000 people. While bullfighting has historically created income and jobs, it has been criticized more and more by animal rights advocates who view it as cruel. Except for a few states, violent bullfighting is still legal in most of Mexico.
Earlier in March, during the Corrida de Carnaval in the state of Tlaxcala, a bull severely gored matador Emilio Macias. As Macias was attempting the final stab, the bull suddenly attacked, catching its horn between the matador’s legs and lifting him off the ground for a few seconds. Macias was immediately taken to a hospital, where he had a nine-hour surgery to treat injuries to his rectum, colon, and right hip.
In recent years, a number of Latin American countries have outlawed violent bullfighting. However, Spain still allows the bull to be killed. Portugal and the U.S. state of California have also adopted bloodless bullfighting.
The Mexico City law will go into effect in 210 days, giving authorities time to update rules before the next bullfighting season begins in November.