Bullfighting Banned in Catalonia

The Spanish region of Catalonia voted Wednesday, July 28, to ban bullfighting. Animal-rights activists see this as a major victory after years of fighting to end the practice, which is considered cruel and inhumane. Catalonia is the first mainland region to ban bullfighting, and the ban will come into effect January 2012. The ban comes at a time when bullfighting is already on the decline due to loss of economic support. Catalan lawmaker Josep Rull was reported saying, “We can be proud to have demonstrated today that Catalonia has a more dignified and respectful society that believes in eliminating the torture and suffering of animals.”