Viral videos in Tlaxcala spark alarm: which Mexican states have banned bullfighting?

Recent viral videos capturing serious injuries and fatalities during public bull-running events in Huamantla, Tlaxcala, have intensified the legislative debate surrounding bullfighting across Mexico. The graphic footage, which included a 29-year-old man being gored to death and 11 other injuries, has alarmed animal protection and civil defense collectives. These groups are now pressing local authorities to emulate other Mexican states that have completely outlawed the practice.

The incidents in Tlaxcala have brought renewed focus to the risks associated with these spectacles, where bulls are often released into public streets. Nine of the injured individuals required hospitalization, underscoring the potential for severe harm. This has fueled calls for stricter regulations and outright bans on what critics deem a violent and dangerous tradition.

Mexico has seen a growing movement against bullfighting, with several states taking legislative action. Currently, traditional bullfights are prohibited in six states: Sonora (since 2013), Guerrero (2014), Coahuila (2015), Quintana Roo (2019), and Sinaloa (2022). Mexico City also enforces restrictions on explicit violence and mistreatment in public festivities. Michoacán is reportedly in advanced discussions regarding a potential ban. These legislative steps reflect a broader trend towards enhanced animal welfare laws across the country.