Catalonia bans the bullfight
Our mission here at El Refugio del Burrito is mainly concerned with the welfare of donkeys and mules in Spain, but as an animal welfare organisation we are against any form of animal cruelty or mistreatment.
Yesterday, the Catalonian Parliament voted after an ILP (People’s Initiative for Legislation) promoted by animal welfare organizations , The Prou! (enough!) Platform, in particular. This initiative was admitted for voting in the Catalunian Parliament to pass a modification of Animal protection Law in Catalunya to derogue the exception written in the law for bullfighting.
This exception is written in all Animal protection laws in Spain and it affects not only bulls but horses participating in bullfights. Canary island was the first region to apply animal protection law to bulls, now, catalunya is the first one in mainland Spain. It has been a long process that has lead to a heated debate in Catalonian society.
We are glad to share the news that the ILP was actually passed and approved. It is the first time bullfighting has ever been banned in a Spanish region. We think this is a great step for Spanish society as far as Animal Welfare is concerned.The initiative came from a platform of Welfare and animalist groups called PROU!! (enough!!) and reached the parliament in Catalonia after being signed by 180.000 citizens.
Other Festivals that involve the use of bulls such as bull runs will not be banned in Catalunia but they will have to follow welfare practices to comply the law.
From El Refugio del Burrito we want to congratulate all who have signed the ILP petition, and all the Animal Welfare organisations involved. Let’s hope the banning is a stepping stone to go even further in animal right in this country.