Mexico City has taken a significant step forward in the fight against animal cruelty by implementing groundbreaking reforms that alter the practice of bullfighting in the capital. These new measures signify a pivotal shift in how this controversial tradition is conducted, reflecting a growing awareness and commitment to animal welfare.
A new law has been passed by a decisive 61-1 vote, prohibiting the killing of bulls and the use of sharp tools that may injure them. Additionally, the legislation shortens the duration of bullfights, marking another significant step towards ending this cruel tradition.
Although progress has been made, bullfighting is still a brutal and archaic practice that does not belong in this day and age. To truly reflect our evolving sense of empathy and justice, it must be banned entirely and removed from cultural practices.
The new regulations, which took effect on March 18, 2025, prevent bullfighters (toreros) from using swords, hooks, and banderillas (decorative spears) that have long been used to torment and kill bulls. The length of bullfights has also been shortened to limit stress and exhaustion for the animals. Some are calling these changes a step toward “bloodless” bullfighting, but the truth is, any form of bullfighting still subjects animals to fear, distress, and suffering for human entertainment.
This reform comes after years of protests, legal battles, and growing public outrage over the inherent cruelty of bullfighting. In 2022, a judge in Mexico City temporarily banned the practice after animal rights groups challenged its legality on the grounds of animal abuse. But in December 2023, Mexico’s Supreme Court overturned the ban, allowing bullfighting to continue under weaker restrictions—an unacceptable compromise when innocent lives are at stake.
The fight to end bullfighting is gaining momentum across Mexico. Several states have already banned it, including Sonora (2013), Guerrero (2014), Coahuila (2015), Quintana Roo (2019), and Sinaloa (2022). These bans reflect a growing recognition that torturing animals for entertainment is indefensible. Yet, bullfighting still persists in parts of the country, kept alive by outdated traditions and profit-driven industries that refuse to evolve.
Supporters argue that bullfighting is a vital cultural tradition, but culture should never be an excuse for cruelty. Society must evolve, and practices rooted in suffering must be left in the past. There is no justification for forcing bulls into an arena to be harassed and tormented under the guise of “art.”
This marks a positive step forward, yet our dedication must continue until bullfighting is entirely banned. As global opinion increasingly turns against blood sports, Mexico must also adapt to this shift. It’s crucial that we work together to bring the era of bullfighting to an end.
