Decision by Castile and León authorities could end killing of bulls by horsemen at annual Toro de la Vega festival

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

A regional government in Spain has outlawed the killing of bulls at town festivals in a measure that could stop the animals being speared to death at one of the country’s goriest summer events.

Though the ruling will not affect bullfights, the decision by the Castile and León government is likely to end the killing of bulls at the annual Toro de la Vega festival in Tordesillas, where horsemen chase a bull and spear it in front of onlookers.

The centuries-old event, which takes place about 120 miles (200km) north-west of Madrid, has drawn increasing protests in recent years, with animal rights activists denouncing it as cruel and calling for a ban.

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Spain’s Pacma animal rights political party cheered the decision, tweeting that “the deadly spears of Toro de la Vega are broken!” Supporters of the festival said they would take unspecified actions to defend it.

PACMA (@PartidoPACMA) Rotas las lanzas mortales del Toro de la Vega... ¡Vamos a por la prohibición del festejo! pic.twitter.com/cQPU4FDeSH

Regional legislators still must vote to approve the decree, but the government has a majority in the legislature to virtually ensure it passes into law for Castile and León.

The regional government’s move came amid growing tension between Spain’s anti-bullfighting groups and those who fiercely defend the tradition.

Pablo Iglesias, leader of the far-left Podemos party, which finished third in last December’s national elections, praised the decision, tweeting that “the Toro de la Vega festivities humiliate our country’s dignity”. He wants to end government funding for bull spectacles, but says he will not ban bullfights.

The vice president of the Toro de la Vega organising committee, Ramon Muelas, said Tordesillas would “fight for its dearest traditions” and warned that the government measure “could end in conflict”. Any official voting in favour of the law would not be welcome in Tordesillas, he told the Spanish news agency Europa Press.

Spain’s Fighting Bull Foundation, which represents breeders, matadors and ring workers, said it was examining the proposed law.