February 13, 2013

HSI Statement on Spanish House Vote Declaring Bullfighting “Cultural”

Spanish politicians urged to veto this initial decision

Humane Society International

Humane Society International has expressed concern as the Spanish House of Representatives approved the passage of a legislative proposal supported by bullfighting enthusiasts to protect and promote bullfighting nationwide.

The following is a statement from HSI Vice President Kitty Block:

“Humane Society International believes it is entirely inappropriate to promote and preserve a practice that deliberately inflicts immense suffering on defenseless animals. HSI condemns any and all efforts to have this bloodsport declared a form of intangible cultural heritage, under the terms of UNESCO, or by an elected government.

HSI calls on Spanish politicians to heed the concerns and wishes of their compassionate citizens who consistently call for an end to bullfighting.”

About the proposed legislation:

• Passage of the legislative proposal would infuse public funds into the bloodsport, in addition to the one percent destined to all cultural heritage assets for the maintenance of the structures.
• The text of the proposed law details that the state must order and set guidelines to manage bullfighting, to protect its economic and cultural impact and to “promote the declaration by UNESCO of the Feast of Bullfighting as Intangible Heritage”.
• It also declares that any such state legislation would transcend the territorial scope of authority of any Autonomous Community of Spain.

-30- 

Media Contact: Raúl Arce-Contreras: +1-301-721-6440; rcontreras@humanesociety.org

Humane Society International and its partner organizations together constitute one of the world's largest animal protection organizations. For more than 20 years, HSI has been working for the protection of all animals through the use of science, advocacy, education and hands on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide — On the Web at hsi.org.