Mexico: Court bans bullfights in world's largest arena

Enlarge image

Demonstration against bullfighting in Mexico

Photo: EDGARD GARRIDO / REUTERS

Bullfights in the Plaza México, the largest bullring in the world, have been banned until further notice following a lawsuit by animal rights activists.

Both the plaintiffs and the operators of the arena informed about the court decision on Friday, which can be appealed against.

According to the verdict, the fights in the arena in Mexico City, known as the "Fiesta Brava", will be suspended until a decision is made on their constitutionality.

"First step of justice for the bulls!" wrote the animal welfare organization "Anima Naturalis" on Twitter.

It is now a question of continuing to fight until a final ban on bullfighting is achieved.

Together with other organizations, "Anima Naturalis" had asked the court for a ban on the grounds that the constitution of the capital stipulates the protection and dignified treatment of animals.

The company that operates the Plaza México announced that it would exhaust all legal remedies to defend "Mexican customs and customs."

The Plaza México has more than 41,000 seats - the world-famous bullring Las Ventas in Madrid, on the other hand, only offers space for almost 24,000 spectators.

Opponents of bullfighting in Mexico denounce the suffering and killing of the animals.

Proponents say it's a centuries-old tradition that creates tens of thousands of jobs in Mexico.

Several bills banning bullfighting have been introduced in Mexico's parliament in recent years, but have so far made no progress.

kfr/dpa