A brand new regulation prohibits killing or injuring the animal in the course of the spectacle, whereas additionally searching for to guard the matador
Mexico Metropolis lawmakers have overwhelmingly voted to make bullfights cold, aiming to handle considerations about animal cruelty whereas preserving a centuries-long custom. It additionally follows a current incident the place a bull critically injured a matador.
Handed 61-1 on Tuesday, the regulation prohibits killing or injuring animals in the course of the spectacle and bans matadors from utilizing sharp objects akin to swords. Bulls may have their horns coated to forestall accidents to people. A 15-minute restrict has additionally been set on how lengthy bulls may be within the ring.
In response to the newspaper El Common, the invoice began off as a citizen initiative, which was supported by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico Metropolis Mayor Clara Brugada.
Brugada celebrated its passage the on social media, saying it was a step in the direction of turning the capital into “a metropolis which respects animal rights.” In response to varied estimates, as much as 250,000 bulls are killed every year in bullfighting worldwide.
Supporters of the game protested exterior the Mexican Congress constructing on Tuesday, with some making an attempt to breach barricades. Riot police needed to intervene after scuffles broke out between rival teams of protesters.
Bullfighting was launched to Mexico from Spain within the sixteenth century, and has since develop into deeply embedded within the nationwide tradition. Mexico Metropolis hosts the world’s largest bullring, Plaza Mexico, which seats over 40,000 spectators. Whereas the observe has traditionally generated income and employment, it has confronted rising criticism from animal rights activists who view it as inhumane. Violent bullfighting stays authorized in most elements of Mexico apart from a handful of states.
Earlier this month, in the course of the Corrida de Carnaval within the state of Tlaxcala, matador Emilio Macias was severely gored by a bull. As Macias tried the ultimate thrust, the animal unexpectedly charged, hooking its horn between the matador’s legs and lifting him off the bottom for a number of seconds. Macias was instantly taken to a hospital, the place he underwent a nine-hour surgical procedure to handle accidents to his rectum, colon, and proper hip.
Lately, a number of Latin American international locations have banned violent bullfighting, however Spain nonetheless permits killing the animal. Cold bullfighting has additionally been adopted in Portugal and within the US state of California.
The Mexico Metropolis regulation will take impact in 210 days, permitting time for the authorities to replace laws earlier than the brand new bullfighting season begins in November.
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