End of corralejas and coleos in Colombia

Bullfighting had already been banned in Colombia thanks to Law 2385/2024, and with the ratification of its constitutionality, the ban is now extended to corralejas, coleo, and cockfighting.

End of corralejas and coleos in Colombia | Picture: Pixabay

On September 5, 2025, the Constitutional Court of Colombia ruled on an unconstitutionality claim filed by the bullfighting sector against the #NoMásOlé Law, which prohibits bullfights starting in 2027. In addition, the Court eliminated an exception in a paragraph that protected other events involving animal abuse. This means that corralejas, cockfights, and coleo will also come to an end.

The Court also determined that the ban will come into effect over a three-year period, in order to phase out these activities and allow for professional transition programs.

Corralejas, coleo, and cockfighting

This ruling marks the end of notorious events such as corralejas, bull-tail rodeos, and cockfights. Corralejas are a form of bull-related spectacle without a bullfighter or matador, in which the public interacts with the animal, using spikes, banderillas, and lances. Although the bull is not supposed to be killed in the arena, it often happens at the hands of the public. Corralejas are highly controversial in Colombia due to their violent nature, which often leads to deaths and injuries among participants who interact with the bull.

Bull-tail rodeos (toros coleados) involve a rider grabbing the bull by the tail and violently toppling it. Because of the violent nature of these events, animals often suffer injuries such as fractures.

Cockfights consist of two birds fighting to the death. These events are notorious for failing to comply with administrative requirements and for avoiding taxes on betting.

It is important to note that none of these three events are regulated by law, which has made it easier for the Court to reach this decision.

Letters to the Constitutional Court

Since the Colombian Congress voted in favor of eliminating bullfighting practices, the bullfighting sector has repeatedly attempted to have the new law declared unconstitutional. For this reason, the Court allowed the participation of citizens and organizations to hear different positions before making this historic decision.

The International Anti-Bullfighting Network – with more than 60 member organizations worldwide – together with Colombia sin Toreo, allied organizations in Colombia, sent several letters to the Constitutional Court explaining why the ban on bullfighting is constitutional. We applaud that the Court confirmed the constitutionality of the law last week.

Global Movement

Rita Silva from ANIMAL, one of the founders of the Network, said:

“This is a profoundly moving moment. The road here has been long and full of challenges, but also of enormous determination. In Colombia they have done an incredible job, bravely and steadfastly sustaining this fight until achieving a historic victory. It was precisely to witness victories like this that we created the International Anti-Bullfighting Network: to join forces, to show that cruelty cannot be disguised as culture, and that compassion will always find a way forward. Today we celebrate not only the end of bullfighting in Colombia, but also the strength of a global movement that will not stop.”

John Hemayr Yepes (Colectivo Identidad Animal), representative of the Network in Colombia, added:

“Colombia shows that it is possible to end bullfighting and cruel cultural events. We will continue our fight for a ban in every country where bullfighting still takes place!”

Victory! Colombian congress prohibits bullfighting in the country!