The U.S. video channel will close down without notice channels showing bloody images of bulls being killed in the ring labelling it "animal abuse".

It said it would still allow uploads of videos of other moments of the corrida such as when the matador uses his cape to attract the bull in a series of passes but that "bloody scenes with the picadors and sword" would be removed.

YouTube declared that such videos contravened one of its guidelines which states: "Don't post videos showing bad stuff like animal abuse, drug abuse, or bomb making". Consequently, You Tube puts on equal terms bullfighting and these destructive and anti-social activities.

You Tube reserved the right to remove any video which does not comply with these terms and conditions, and the rules are the same for any country in the world.

You Tube made this decision after having removed a bullfighting channel from its website.