The proposal by the mayor of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, to ban bullfighting and the death of bulls in bullfights revived the confrontation between animal rights activists and the bullfighting business sectors. The initiative, which will be debated in the local Congress, aims to transform these shows into “violence-free events.”
Brugada presented her proposal stating that “the spectacle of blood cannot be justified under any concept of art or tradition” and argued that the evolution of rights should prevail over deeply rooted customs. Her initiative includes banning the death of bulls inside and outside the bullring, as well as the use of sharp objects that cause them wounds or suffering. Additionally, it proposes limiting the duration of bullfights to a maximum of 10 minutes.
The bullfighting sector reacted immediately and announced that, if the measure is approved, they will resort to legal means to stop it. José Saborit, director of Mexican Bullfighting, criticized the lack of dialogue with entrepreneurs and fans, and described the initiative as “a moral imposition by a small sector of the population.” Furthermore, he argued that the ban does not “save the bulls”, as “the animal will die anyway” and will be destined for human consumption.
Bullfighting, a tradition as old as it is harmful
The debate over bullfighting in Mexico is not new, as it has sparked a series of legal disputes in recent years. Although the activity is still allowed in much of the country, states such as Sinaloa, Guerrero, Coahuila, and Quintana Roo have implemented restrictions or bans. Supporters of the “fiesta brava” argue that the prohibition would affect the sector’s economy, jeopardizing thousands of jobs. According to the National Association of Breeders of the Fighting Bull in Mexico, the bullfighting industry generates over 80,000 direct jobs and 146,000 indirect jobs.
Amid the controversy, President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her support for the continuation of bullfights but raised the need to seek alternatives to reduce animal abuse. “We must find a scheme where there is no death or suffering,” she stated. The discussion will continue in the coming days in the local Congress, where the future of bullfighting in Mexico City will be defined.
Consequences
- Bullfights have been criticized for the treatment of animals.
- Some activists and animal rights defenders protest against bullfights.
- Some cities around the world have declared themselves anti-bullfighting.
- Other locations have stopped killing the bull but bullfights continue.
Considerations
- Bullfights are a very ancient mass spectacle and one of the oldest in the world.
- Bullfighting is a deeply rooted tradition in Spain.
Source: AP.
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