Spanish islands approve booze-free and bloodless bullfights

MADRID — Lawmakers in Spain’s Balearic Islands have banned spectators under age 18, alcohol and the killing or harming of animals at regional bullfights.

A majority of left-wing deputies in the regional parliament passed a “Balearic-style bullfighting” bill on Monday. The law also requires anti-doping tests for both matadors and bulls and limits the time each bull spends in the ring to 10 minutes.

Conservative deputies who opposed the law said promoters will find it virtually impossible to hold bullfights under the new restrictions.

Opponents also say the bill could be at odds with the protection the Spanish Constitution grants to bullfighting as national heritage.

Humane Society International, an animal rights organization, hailed Monday’s move by the islands’ parliament as “a very satisfying victory for compassionate policymaking.”

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The Associated Press