From Arenas to Activism: Countries Banning Bullfighting for Animal Welfare

Mapping Progress: Where Bullfighting is Banned or Suspended

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Published in 06-28-2025

Countries Banning Bullfighting for Animal Welfare

Bullfighting has long been defended as a cultural heritage in many countries. Yet, in recent decades, the ethical concerns around animal cruelty have gained momentum globally. While some nations have already banned the practice entirely, others are actively debating its future. The world is witnessing a significant shift in how traditions rooted in violence are being re-evaluated.

Countries that have banned bullfighting
1- Argentina: Although bullfighting was never deeply rooted in Argentine culture, it was officially banned in 1954. Animal welfare laws prohibit public spectacles involving the suffering of animals.

2- Uruguay: This South American country banned bullfighting in 1912, making it one of the first in the world to do so. The country has long taken a progressive stance on animal rights.

3- Costa Rica: Bullfighting is illegal in its traditional form. The country celebrates a different version called "toros a la tica", which does not involve killing the animal and is heavily regulated.

4- Guatemala: Since 2017, all forms of bullfighting have been banned under the country's animal protection law.

5- Colombia (some regions): Although not fully banned nationwide, cities like Bogotá have imposed strong restrictions, and a full national ban has been debated in Congress multiple times.

6- United Kingdom: Bullfighting has been banned for decades. It has no cultural roots in the UK, and public opinion is firmly against any practice of this kind.

7- Italy: The country prohibits bullfighting by law, and cultural events involving animals are strictly regulated under animal protection legislation.

Countries Leading the Way: Bullfighting Bans Worldwide

Photo: Diego Gómez Tejedor
8- Canada: While not widespread, traditional bullfighting has been banned in areas where it was once practiced by immigrant communities.

9- Denmark: All forms of bullfighting or similar events involving animals have been outlawed.

10- New Zealand: This country has some of the strictest animal welfare laws, and bullfighting is entirely prohibited.

Countries currently debating or restricting bullfighting
1- Spain: The heart of bullfighting culture is now facing strong internal divisions. Some autonomous communities like Catalonia have banned bullfighting altogether, while others like Madrid continue to defend it. The Constitutional Court overturned Catalonia's ban in 2016, but many regions still resist hosting events.

2- Mexico: Several states such as Sinaloa and Quintana Roo have banned bullfights. In 2022, Mexico City temporarily suspended the practice, and the Supreme Court is currently analyzing whether to allow it again. The issue has ignited national debate.

3- France: Bullfighting is allowed only in certain regions where it is deemed a "traditional" event. However, recent public protests and political efforts aim to ban it nationwide. A bill proposed in 2022 stirred public and legislative debate but did not pass. The cultural exception is still being challenged.

4- Peru: Although bullfighting remains legal, a growing animal rights movement is pushing for its prohibition. The debate is intensifying, particularly in urban areas.

5- Ecuador: In 2011, a national referendum banned the killing of bulls in public events in some cities. Quito, the capital, no longer allows the killing of bulls during the fight, although the event itself still exists.

6- Portugal: While bullfighting is legal, the Portuguese version does not involve killing the bull in the arena. However, public sentiment is changing, and some cities have declared themselves anti-bullfighting zones.

Public opinion and global pressure
A growing number of international animal rights organizations, such as PETA and World Animal Protection, continue to pressure governments to abolish the practice. Polls in Spain and France reveal that support for bullfighting has dropped significantly, especially among younger generations.

Why the shift?
1- Ethical awakening: As societies become more empathetic, practices that normalize animal suffering are increasingly rejected.
2- Legal frameworks: Animal welfare laws are evolving to cover more scenarios, often clashing with outdated traditions.
3- Generational change: Younger people, especially in urban areas, show little to no interest in preserving violent customs.

What's next?
It is likely that more countries will join the list of those banning or restricting bullfighting in the coming years. Activists and lawmakers are steadily building momentum, while traditionalists struggle to maintain a practice that is losing public favor. The path to a global consensus may still be long, but the trend is clear.

The world is moving toward a more compassionate future where entertainment no longer requires bloodshed.