President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she will review the holding of bullfighting in Mexico, as she declares herself an animal rights advocate. In her morning conference, she mentioned that it is necessary to review these practices, despite some arguing in favor of bullfighting due to its age and deep roots in local culture.
In February, former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador introduced a reform to prohibit animal abuse in the Constitution, a measure that the current president is set to approve. Sheinbaum emphasized her stance in favor of animal protection and the need for secondary legislation to support this cause.
The president mentioned examples of countries where bullfighting does not involve the death of the animal and others where it has already been banned, such as Colombia. In light of this diversity of approaches, Sheinbaum highlighted the importance of dialoguing with citizens, animal protection associations, and bullfighting practitioners to find solutions that safeguard animals.
Bullfighting has generated controversy in Mexico, with episodes such as the temporary prohibition in Plaza México, the largest bullring in the world, between June 2022 and December 2023 due to a court decision. In this context, animal rights groups have urged the Mexico City Congress to prohibit these events, while fans consider them part of tradition.
Sheinbaum urged consideration of job alternatives for those who depend on these practices, while reiterating her commitment to animal protection and the review of bullfighting in the country.
