Mexico City’s local congress on Tuesday passed a measure aiming to make bullfights much less harmful to bulls and matadors, a move applauded by animal rights activists but sharply criticized by fans of the centuries-old tradition.

Mexico City lawmakers on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to ban violent bullfighting, triggering outrage from aficionados and celebration from animal rights advocates.

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,