Spanish broadcaster bans bullfighting

PALMA
SPAIN'S leading broadcaster says it will no longer show bullfighting in order to protect children from viewing violence.
State network RTVE lists its new ban on transmitting bullfighting programs under a chapter called “Violence with animals” in its latest style book, and says it “will not broadcast bullfighting.” One of the reasons given by RTVE for the ban is that bullfights “generally coincide with hours protected or specially protected for young viewers.” Spain has seen a fierce debate over the blood-soaked pageant that has fascinated artists and writers from Goya to Hemingway.
In July, Catalonia became the second Spanish region to ban the centuries-old tradition of bullfighting, joining the Canary Islands, which outlawed the practice in 1991.

The news was welcomed by animal rights groups here in the Balearics and even members of Palma City Council who back a ban on bullfights in the capital.
Depending on the election results in May, a motion to ban the practice may be tabled in Palma.