Yucatán bullfighting faces legal injunctions over animal welfare

Legal actions have been initiated in Yucatán to halt bullfighting events in the municipalities of Sotuta, Cansahcab, and Ucú. Animal rights organizations Animal Héroes and PETA Latino have filed injunctions to prevent scheduled September events, citing the use of instruments that cause torture and violence to the animals.

The organizations argue that these practices violate the Mexican Constitution and specific animal protection standards, such as NOM-033. They have stated that their goal is not to eliminate traditional festivities, but to ensure they are conducted without animal suffering or violence.

Amidst these legal challenges, tensions have escalated between bullfighting proponents and the press. Businesswoman Diana Peniche Marenco has reportedly issued threats and xenophobic insults toward journalists covering the protests, including Herbeth Escalante and David Rico. Meanwhile, her son, Michel Luis Carlos Lagravere Peniche, issued a social media apology for classist remarks directed at animal rights activists.