Showdowns between people and bulls can still go on, but the animals can no longer be hurt or killed. Some bullfighting proponents said the law imperils an ancient tradition.

The move was welcomed by animal rights charities and activists Mexico City's Congress has voted to ban traditional bullfights. The ban on Tuesday, March 18, of what Congress calls "violent bullfights" brings in "new rules with immediate effect that ban the killing of bulls inside or outside the ring,