Barcelona votes against bullfighting

Councillors in Barcelona have voted to declare their opposition to bullfighting in a move observers say could lead to the “sport” being banned in some parts of Spain. While bullfights will continue in the city for the time being, the result of the secret ballot could put pressure on the Catalan regional government to put and end to the practice, which is seen as barbaric by many people in Spain – let alone in other countries. The Guardian quotes Leah Garces, of the World Society for the Protection of Animals as saying: “The vote is a giant step forward for animal welfare and will help lead the way to what could be the end of bullfighting in Spain.” While other cities have stated that they have no plans to ban bullfighting, with the practice reportedly gaining popularity in France and Portugal, the authorities in Barcelona have long been calling for a ban. And the city’s deputy mayor has reportedly written an emotive article in a local paper: “The bull has a nervous system similar to that of human beings, capable of dreaming and suffering. It is peaceful, like the cow or ox that flees from aggression or danger.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad