AI answer to Q--is bullfighting still legal in Spain.

AI Overview

Yes, bullfighting is still legal in Spain, but not nationally ; it is a controversial tradition that is banned in some regions like the Canary Islands and is not practiced in Catalonia, though it remains legal in most of Spain and is considered by supporters to be a cultural heritage. Recent Spanish laws have strengthened animal welfare in other areas, such as banning the recreational use of wild animals in circuses, but explicitly exempted bullfighting.

Legality: Bullfighting is legal in most of Spain, but some regional governments have bans or have opted out.

Regional bans: The Canary Islands have a ban, and while Catalonia banned bullfighting, a higher court later overturned the ban, allowing it to continue, though it is not a major sport there anymore.

Cultural heritage: Supporters view bullfighting as an important cultural and artistic tradition, which is a key reason for its exemption from recent animal welfare laws.

Animal welfare laws: A 2023 Spanish animal welfare law banned the use of animals in recreational activities that cause pain or suffering, but it included an exemption for bullfighting and hunting with dogs, which was later reinstated after initial protests.

Public opinion: Support for bullfighting has declined, with younger generations reportedly viewing it as cruel and old-fashioned, but it remains a divisive issue with strong cultural proponents.