In a landmark decision for animals, Colombia’s Constitutional Court not only upheld the 2024 bullfighting ban but also outlawed other blood sports such as cockfighting, according to local news.
The case was brought before the Court after opponents of the ban filed a lawsuit alleging Congress mishandled the law’s passage and that it infringed on basic rights, including freedom of expression and culture.
However, the Court found the ruling constitutional and determined that the activities ran counter to the protection and welfare of animals.
In addition to upholding the law and banning cockfighting, the Court prohibited Corralejas—events where the public enters the bullring to harm and evade bulls—and Coleo, a practice in which horseback riders chase cattle and pull their tails to bring them down.
The bullfighting ban will take full effect in July 2027. During the transition, only tightly regulated events will be permitted, no public funding will be allowed, and job retraining must be provided for affected workers. Once the law is in force, bullrings will need to be repurposed into cultural and community spaces in a year.
Cockfighting was given a three-year phase-out period, which sets the deadline for nationwide prohibition in 2028.
Beyond the bans, the legislation also aims to shift cultural attitudes by mandating that animal care and protection lessons be incorporated in school programs.
Lady Freethinker is grateful to Colombia’s Constitutional Court for standing up for animals and ending these cruel spectacles, and we urge more countries to follow suit in banning blood sports.
