Lawmakers in Mexico City have voted to ban violent bullfighting, prompting celebration among animal rights advocates and outrage from the industry.

The legislation was passed in a 61-1 vote on Tuesday.

It prohibits events where the animals are killed or wounded and bans matadors from using sharp objects such as swords. It also sets a 15-minute limit on how long bulls can be in the ring.

Mexico City's mayor, Clara Brugada, said the initiative was an attempt to move toward "violence-free" bullfighting.

She said the capital, home to the world's largest bullring, cannot allow "cruelty as a spectacle, much less the long pain and death of an animal for entertainment. "

Lawmaker Victor Hugo Romo de Vivar said the aim was "not to make bullfighting disappear, but evolve."

The measure was also backed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who described it as a "good solution" to maintain jobs in the bullfighting industry while seeking to prevent animal abuse.

How have others responded to the ban?

The legislation was welcomed by animal rights activists, while at the same time sparking criticism from fans who consider bullfighting an important cultural tradition.

Riot police had to intervene on Tuesday after scuffles between rival groups of protesters broke out near the local congress.

Anton Aguilar, executive director of Humane World for Animals Mexico, called it "an important step toward eradicating the torment and killing of animals for entertainment."

But he said it was also important to note that "a bull event without violence does not mean one without suffering, as bulls will still be subjected to significant and completely unnecessary stress."

Bullfighting advocates, on the other hand, point out that the industry contributes to the city's economy. In 2023, it created 80,000 jobs and around $50 million (€45 million) in revenue, according to official figures.

Where is bullfighting banned?

Bullfighting has long been seen as a tradition in Latin American countries, but the sport has come under scrutiny in recent years for animal cruelty.

Animal rights groups estimate that around 180,000 bulls are killed each year in bullfighting worldwide.

Bullfighting is already banned in several of Mexico's 32 states.

In the wider region, Colombia last year approved a ban on bullfights starting in 2027.

Ecuador's capital, Quito, has also banned the killing of animals in the sport.

Edited by: Louis Oelofse