Barcelona, July 2015.- On July 22nd, the Parliament of Catalonia approved the ban of wild animals in circuses, by amending the current Animal Protection Law. Tthe party Cuitadans abstained from the vote and as expected when it comes to animals, the conservative Popular Party (PP) voted against the measure: they are no doubt fearful of the negative impact of the ban could have on bullfighting.

There will be a two-year moratorium before the new rule come into force. However, as many municipalities have already banned the use of wild animals in circuses, amongst them Barcelona, the Parliament resolution only reasserts the decision.

Within three months, an observatory composed by experts from the circus industry and animal protection organizations will be set up to evaluate whether it is necessary to also ban other species on animal welfare grounds.

Catalonia thus becomes the first community of Spain that bans the use of animals in circus performances.