16th International Summit Against Bullfighting in Mexico

04-12-2024

On November 9 and 10, the 16th International Summit Against Bullfighting took place. The annual conference was organized by CAS International in Mexico, the largest bullfighting country in Latin America. The summit was a great success, bringing together representatives from eight bullfighting countries and other nations in Mexico City to unite their efforts.

A Crucial Moment in the Fight

The fight against bullfighting is reaching a decisive phase in Mexico. Our Mexican colleagues have collected over 30,000 signatures for a citizens’ initiative to ban bullfighting in Mexico City. Soon, the city’s congress will review this proposal.

Significant progress has already been made: bullfights have been halted in several cities, and five Mexican states have banned them entirely. Additionally, the Mexican Senate has enshrined animal rights in the constitution. This created the perfect opportunity to gain extra attention in Mexican media.

TV and Radio Appearances

CAS International took full advantage of the media spotlight, giving interviews on four of Mexico’s largest national TV and radio networks, reaching millions of viewers and listeners. Our campaigner and vice-chair, Estefania Pampin Zuidmeer, alongside Colombian Senator Esmeralda Hernández Silva, discussed the global situation and the fight to outlaw bullfighting in Colombia.

The Interviews:

• Foro Global (news program on Televisa, the world’s largest Spanish-language media conglomerate)
• Grupo Fórmula (radio and TV interview, starting at 1 hour and 12 minutes)
• Radio W
• Radio Chilango

Lobby Meetings

CAS International, in collaboration with Mexican organizations, Colombian Senator Esmeralda Hernández Silva, and Colombian Congressman Juan Carlos Losada, participated in two significant lobbying meetings in Mexico City:

• Meeting with the Secretariat of the Governor of Mexico City
  During this meeting, the importance of banning bullfighting in the Mexican capital was discussed. The session was organized by our sister organization, AnimaNaturalis México.

• Meeting with Senator Reyna Celeste Ascencio Ortega of the Morena Party
  This meeting focused on the inclusion of animal rights in the Mexican Constitution. It was initiated by our sister organization, Movimiento Consciencia.

Key Takeaways from the 16th International Summit

Interest in bullfighting is declining worldwide. Maite van Gerwen, Director of CAS International, highlights:

“During the summit, we witnessed inspiring activities and positive developments from various countries. All signs indicate that bullfighting is losing public support and will hopefully disappear soon.”

Highlights from the Summit:

• Colombia Makes History. Colombia becomes the first bullfighting country to completely ban the practice, effective 2027.
• Four Capitals Without Bullfights. No bullfights were held in Bogotá, Caracas, Quito, or Paris during 2023–2024.
• Growing Societal Opposition. A few examples:
  • In Mexico, 73% of the population considers bullfighting animal cruelty (Reforma Diario, 2019).
  • In Spain, France, and Portugal, 77% believe bullfighting causes excessive animal suffering, and 58% support a ban (Ipsos I&O Public, 2023, commissioned by CAS International).
• Fewer Bullfights.
  • France: a 40% decrease in 20 years.
  • Spain: a 63% drop since 2007.
  • Ecuador: 65% fewer bullfights in 11 years.
• Improved Protection for Children:
  • Ecuador has banned attendance for those under 18.
  • Portugal is working on a ban for those under 16.
  • Venezuela and Mexico are implementing similar measures, though Spain lags behind.
• Declining Interest Among Youth. Young people are showing less interest in bullfighting, further threatening its survival.

Support for a Compassionate Culture

We call on politicians in bullfighting countries to listen to their citizens. We urge them to follow Colombia’s example and support the growing demand for a compassionate culture. It is time to take the majority’s voice seriously and leave this tradition behind for good.

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