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A bullfighting school that trains children to kill calves has defied critics by reportedly slaughtering 24 of the animals in just four days.

Ricky Gervais joined the chorus of anger after four calves were massacred by youths as part of their matador training last month.

The comedian branded the bullfighting school in Colmenar Viejo near Madrid Spain as “c*** academy”.

But now the school has doubled down on the disturbing practice.

Footage captured by activists from Animal Guardians and La Tortura No Es Cultura (Torture Is Not Culture) shows the young bullfighters.

(Image: Pen News)

The bullring is almost empty, but children are among those watching, with one boy seen recording the slaughter on his tablet computer.

Some of the younger children are later presented with ears carved from the dying animals as a gruesome trophy.

Marta Esteban of Animal Guardians said the exact ages of the would-be matadors could not be determined, but some youths start training at just 14.

She said: “They usually start killing animals from 14 years old onwards and they usually stay in bullfighting schools until they are 18, although some stay until they are 21.

“This event violates the right of children and adolescents to live in an environment free of violence and it is imperative that something be done about it.”

(Image: Getty)

The calf-fights, known in Spanish as becerradas, are considered “practical classes” by the bullfighting schools.

Calves are often used when inexperienced matadors or untrained guests enter the bullring, because they are less of a danger to humans.

Now the activists are launching an international petition to try and get the calf-fights are banned from the country.

(Image: Pen News)

Carmen Ibarlucea, president of La Tortura No Es Cultura, said: “It is inconceivable that these acts of extreme violence towards sentient beings can be considered a form of entertainment.

“They are an atrocity and should be banned. We ask people to sign our petition and write to the city council of Colmenar Viejo asking for the end of these spectacles."

The petition can be signed at bastabecerradas.org/en