Bullfight in Querétaro Suspended Following Court Ruling on Animal Welfare
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A court-ordered suspension has halted a planned bullfight in Querétaro, Mexico, scheduled for January 30, 2026, marking a significant growth in the ongoing debate over animal welfare and conventional practices. The decision, secured by the animal rights group Animal Heroes, underscores a growing legal challenge to bullfighting across the country.
Legal Challenge and Initial Suspension
The suspension was granted on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by Judge Benjamín Rodríguez Cuellar of the Seventh District Court in the state of Querétaro, under case number 41/2026. The ruling specifically targets bullfighting events within the municipality of Querétaro, with an immediate focus on preventing the event planned for the juriquilla Province bullring.
According to the court document, authorities are instructed to “refrain from executing the contested acts,” which includes suspending all bullfighting shows throughout the municipality. The judgeS order extends beyond this single event, prohibiting the issuance of permits for any events where “bulls or any animal are mistreated and killed” in violation of the Mexican Constitution.
Municipal Response and Compliance
The Municipality of Querétaro has confirmed its compliance with the court’s decision. A statement released by the municipal government indicated they received notification from the Seventh District Court regarding the suspension of events involving animal abuse, including the Juriquilla bullfight.
“In response to said judicial determination and in strict adherence to the rule of law, the Municipality of Querétaro will abide by the resolution issued by the federal authority,” the statement read. The municipality assured that the rights of the event promoter would be protected while upholding the court’s ruling.
Appeal and Cancellation
Despite the court order, the bullfighting company and its legal team initially filed an appeal, arguing the protection infringed upon the “freedom of bullfighting.” However, as of today, January 30, 2026, those efforts proved unsuccessful.
Representatives, crews, and authorities had arrived at the Juriquilla bullring anticipating a positive outcome, hoping to finalize preparations for the event featuring prominent matadors Octavio García “El Payo”, Juan Ortega, Pablo Aguado, and Diego San Román, and bulls from the Los Encinos livestock farm. A company release confirmed the cancellation of the bullfight, citing the lack of a favorable legal resolution.
The legal battle highlights the increasing tension between cultural traditions and evolving societal concerns regarding animal rights in Mexico. This ruling sets a precedent that could influence future legal challenges to bullfighting and other events involving animal exploitation.
Why: The bullfight in Querétaro was suspended due to a court ruling issued by Judge Benjamín Rodríguez Cuellar of the Seventh District Court in Querétaro, stemming from a legal challenge brought by the animal rights group Animal Heroes. The ruling cited violations of the Mexican Constitution regarding animal mistreatment.
Who: The key players involved are animal Heroes (the plaintiff), Judge Benjamín Rodríguez Cuellar (who issued the ruling), the Municipality of Querétaro (which complied with the ruling), the bullfighting company (which appealed unsuccessfully), and the matadors Octavio García “El Payo”, Juan Ortega, Pablo Aguado, and Diego san Román, as well as the Los Encinos livestock farm, who were scheduled to participate.
What: A planned bullfight scheduled for January 30, 2026, in Juriquilla, Querétaro, was suspended and ultimately cancelled. The ruling prohibits all bullfighting events within the municipality where animals are mistreated and killed.
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