WSPA

Bullfighting ban proposed in Catalan Parliament - New opinion poll reveals majority opposition to bullfighting

A proposed new law to ban bullfighting was introduced in the Catalan Parliament this week, for the first time in Spanish history. This represents an historic landmark in the ongoing 'Culture Without Cruelty' campaign by the World Society for the Protection of Animals' (WSPA) and Asociación Defensa Derechos Animal (ADDA).

This follows the results of an opinion poll commissioned by WSPA and ADDA and conducted in Catalonia by TNS Demoscopia from 1-9 November using a sample of 800 adults. The poll revealed that an overwhelming 94% agree that the torture and suffering of animals in entertainment should be stopped. In addition, more than 80% agree that bullfights are unjustified and cruel events, and over 77% agree with the decision of Barcelona to declare itself an 'anti-bullfight' city. The results echo those of other opinion polls conducted in Catalonia and Barcelona since 2002.

The recommended amendment is to Article Six of existing animal welfare legislation, which bans shows that include animal fights - with the exception of bullfights. It was presented by Oriol Amoros from the ERC (Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya) party; to which Jordi Portabella, the Deputy Mayor of Barcelona, belongs. Portabella officially declared Barcelona an anti-bullfight city in front of hundreds of protesters in April this year, after Barcelona City Council voted 21 votes to 15 in favour.

Leah Garcés, WSPA's Director of Campaigns, said, "I am very hopeful that the Catalan Parliament will prove itself to be modern and enlightened by following Barcelona City Council's decision to denounce bullfighting. We urge the Catalan Parliament to pass a law against bullfighting in Catalonia, which will set a compassionate precedent to the rest of Spain."

Since Barcelona declared itself an anti-bullfight city, other Spanish towns have declared themselves anti-bullfighting, including Torello, Calladeteno, and Olot, which has the second oldest ring in Spain.

To date, WSPA and ADDA's 'Culture without Cruelty' campaign has received over a quarter of a million signatures from around the world in support of an end to bullfighting throughout Catalonia. Sir Paul McCartney is among the celebrity supporters of the campaign.