Ecuador reaffirms ban on bullfighting events
22-09-2025The Constitutional Court of Ecuador has dismissed the lawsuit filed by bullfighting sectors seeking to overturn the ban on events involving the death of an animal, thereby upholding the decision of the 2011 Popular Consultation. In Quito and 125 other cantons, the majority voted in favor of banning spectacles that result in the death of animals.
Ecuador reaffirms ban on bullfighting events | Image: FATA
In 2011, the Ecuadorian people voted overwhelmingly to prohibit bullfights and other shows involving animal deaths. With 54.90% of votes in favor of “Yes,” a democratic and legal milestone was established in the country, marking the first time that citizens directly expressed their stance on the protection of animals in public entertainment.
Despite this historic result, in recent years bullfighting groups have sought to reopen the debate, claiming alleged unconstitutionality and defending bullfighting as cultural heritage. They argued economic and labor impacts, as well as restrictions on artistic and cultural freedom of expression. Among their petitions, they requested the reinstatement of bullfights involving the death of the animal and the declaration of unconstitutionality of the 2011 popular consultation.
Reaffirmation of the ban
However, on August 15, 2025, the Constitutional Court issued its final ruling (Judgment 56-11-IN/25): it dismissed the lawsuit and reaffirmed the prohibition of spectacles involving the death of an animal throughout Ecuador, including bullfights and cockfights. According to the Court, the popular will expressed in the 2011 Popular Consultation is binding and must be respected.
This ruling marks a historic step forward in animal protection in Ecuador and strengthens the country’s ethical stance against animal cruelty. It also opens the possibility of converting or demolishing bullrings, transforming them into cultural spaces.
The resolution sets a definitive precedent: bullfights involving the death of the animal are banned in Ecuador, positioning the country as an international reference in animal rights and welfare after 14 years of social debate and activism.
FATA, Ecuadorian organization and member of the International Anti-Bullfighting Network, stated:
“Only that which makes man more humane deserves to be called art; never death as celebration, never torture as art, never suffering as spectacle.”
From the International Anti-Bullfighting Network, we wish to congratulate FATA, MAN, and all the animal defense groups and organizations that have fought for years to end bullfighting in Ecuador for this important achievement.