16th International Summit Against Bullfighting in Mexico

On November 9 and 10, the 16th International Summit Against Bullfighting took place in Mexico, the largest bullfighting country in Latin America. The summit was a great success, bringing together representatives from the eight bullfighting countries and other nations to join forces against the cruel bullfights.

16th International Summit Against Bullfighting in Mexico | Picture: International Anti-Bullfighting Network

The International Anti-Bullfighting Network also made excellent use of media attention, reaching millions of viewers and listeners through interviews for some of Mexico’s largest television and radio stations. In addition, the network participated in two important lobbying meetings in Mexico City, which made a significant contribution to strengthening our mission.

Why Mexico?

The summit was organized in Mexico-City to support the Mexican member-organizations. The fight against bullfighting is reaching a decisive phase in Mexico. Many organizations have collected through the platform México sin Toreo (Mexico without Bullfights) 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 Parliament has enshrined animals as sentient beings and a prohibition of animal abuse in the constitution.

TV and Radio Appearances

The network took full advantage of the media spotlight, giving interviews for four of Mexico’s largest national TV and radio networks, reaching millions of viewers and listeners. Campaigner and vice-chair of CAS International (co-founder of the network), 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

Colombian Senator Esmeralda Hernández Silva (right) and Estefania Pampin Zuidmeer (CAS International) during interview at Televisa | Picture: screenshot video

Lobby Meetings

The Network, in collaboration with Mexican organizations, Colombian Senator Esmeralda Hernández Silva, and Colombian Congressman Juan Carlos Losada, CAS International and ANIMAL (both co-founders of the network) 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 member-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 member-organization, Movimiento Consciencia.

Meeting with Senator Reyna Celeste Ascencio Ortega of the Morena Party | Picture: José González Martinez

Conclusions of the 16th International Summit

CAS International organized the summit in Mexico-City. The main conclusion is that the 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 and Quito during 2023–2024. In Paris bullfights are prohibited for more than 100 years. Bullfights are still permitted in some Southern regions of France.
• 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% believes bullfighting causes excessive animal suffering, and 58% supports 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.

Defenzoor del Año

During the summit, the Defenzoor del Año award (a Colombian prize for Animal Defender of the Year by member-organization Defenzoores) was presented to the Colombian senator Esmeralda Hernández Silva and congress member Juan Carlos Losada. Additionally, the network granted the present Colombian organizations a recognition for their efforts in the fight to ban bullfighting in Colombia.

The Defenzoor del Año award was presented to the Colombian senator Esmeralda Hernández Silva and congress member Juan Carlos Losada | Picture: International Anti-Bullfighting Network

The network granted the present Colombian organizations a recognition for their efforts in the fight to ban bullfighting in Colombia | Picture: International Anti-Bullfighting Network