Mexico City legislators overwhelmingly passed a ban on traditional bullfighting.
Mexico City, the largest bullfighting city in the world, banned traditional bullfighting by a 61-1 vote in March 2025. The law prohibits injuring or killing bulls for sport. Further, animals involved in bullfights are no longer exempt from animal cruelty laws.
An Animal-Friendly Update to a Cruel Sport
The law was crafted to allow modified bullfighting to continue—without the violence. Bullfighters may still use a cape, for example. However, animals may not be physically injured, and there are time limits on how long a bull can remain in the ring.
Animal protection groups were careful to note that the law is an important step forward, but animals will still suffer. Like all animals used in entertainment, bulls must endure the stress of transportation and exhibition. They will still be surrounded by screaming crowds and taunted to charge.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum endorsed the law and other critical animal rights initiatives. At the end of 2024, she signed a set of constitutional reforms that will allow for the creation of a comprehensive federal animal protection law. The Mexican Constitution now references nonhuman animals for the first time.
The national bullfighting organization stated it would challenge the law in court. A judge previously suspended bullfighting in May 2022, but the Supreme Court of Justice overturned the suspension in December 2023.
Misery in the Ring
During a bullfight, men on horses push lances into the bull’s back and neck muscles. They twist the lances to cause blood loss. The weakened bull is then stabbed with sharp sticks while being chased in circles. Finally, a matador attempts to cut the bull’s throat with a sword. If he misses, he will attempt to cut the spinal cord. Sometimes, the bull’s ears and tails are cut off as well.
An estimated 180,000 bulls are killed in bullfights every year, according to Humane World for Animals Mexico. When you travel, make sure your plans don’t include animals exploited for entertainment. Sign our Wildlife. Not Entertainers pledge and educate people about animals used for entertainment.