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Argentina's Congress has passed a law to ban greyhound racing in a bid to reduce the risk of animal cruelty in the South American country.

Thursday's 132-17 vote in the lower house follows passage in the Senate last year. It set off celebrations by animal activists gathered outside Congress.

The measure includes jail terms of up to four years and fines of about $5,000 for anyone who organizes, participates in or promotes dog races.

President Mauricio Macri has backed the measure and is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days.

Greyhound racing is popular in some regions of Argentina. Numerous jurisdictions across the United States and the world have banned greyhound racing.