Campaign Overview

Catalonian Region of Spain Moves to Ban Bullfights
Autonomous region's Parliament votes to protect bulls under animal cruelty laws

The autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain took steps last week toward a ban on bullfighting in the region, which encompasses nearly 7% of the country's total population. Deputies in Catalonia's regional parliament voted 74 to 51 in favor of extending existing animal cruelty laws to the bulls killed in this cruel bloodsport. The motion now makes an outright bullfighting ban in Catalonia possible.

Bullfights are a cruel spectacle of human dominance over helpless and debilitated animals. Bulls are weakened with drugs before the bullfight even begins, and their horns are shaved to throw off their equilibrium. Picadors and banderillas first stab the animal with spears and pics, draining his blood and strength in preparation for the matador, who taunts the bull for several minutes before stabbing him between the shoulder blades. Often, the bull remains fully conscious even as the matador and his team carve off his ears as trophies.

Catalonia's vote follows large public protests in the region's capital city of Barcelona, which two years ago was declared an "anti-bullfighting city" after more than 250,000 residents put their names on a petition opposing bullfights. Barcelona is not the only city in Catalonia that sees bullfights as barbaric. Another 22 municipalities followed Barcelona's example by making similar declarations. In addition, according to a survey conducted by the Spanish animal protection group Association for the Defense of Animal Rights (ADDA), 71% of Catalonians oppose bullfighting.

Reflecting this shift in Spanish culture away from acceptance of animal abuse, attendance at bullfights is on the decline across the country as more people recognize the inherent cruelty of killing animals for "entertainment." However, even with massive public opposition and shrinking audiences, a change in the law is needed to actually outlaw bullfighting in Catalonia. Given the momentum rapidly gathering behind the measure, animal advocates are hopeful that the bloodsport will be banned before the end of 2006.

What You Can Do:
Bullfights are mostly attended by foreign tourists who enter the arena thinking they will be entertained and leave disgusted and horrified at what they have witnessed. Let officials at the Spanish embassy know that you will not travel to any regions of Spain where bullfighting remains legal.

Embassy of Spain
2375 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20037
Tel: (202) 452-0100
Fax: (202) 833-5670
E-mail: embespus@mail.mae.es

Read the Bull Fighting Overview of this campagin.