Spanish Congress abandons bulls

09-10-2025

This week, the Spanish Congress of Deputies decided not to consider the citizens’ initiative “No Es Mi Cultura” (“This Is Not My Culture”). The initiative aimed to repeal the law that declares bullfighting part of Spain’s cultural heritage.

More than 715,000 Spaniards signed the citizens’ initiative, of which 664,777 signatures were declared valid. At CAS International, we are deeply disappointed by the decision of the Spanish Congress — as are our Spanish partner organisations and everyone involved in the initiative. This means that the proposal will not be discussed.

This outcome follows an unexpected turnaround by the Socialist Party PSOE, the ruling party of Prime Minister Sánchez. During negotiations, the PSOE had indicated it would support the debate on the initiative, but it chose to abstain from voting. As a result, a majority of right-wing parties voted against the consideration of the initiative.

Estefanía Pampín Zuidmeer, campaigner at CAS:

“The unreliable attitude of the PSOE has unfortunately become a pattern. When the first national animal protection law was discussed in 2022, the PSOE initially supported including hunting dogs in the legislation. Suddenly, however, the party decided to exclude these dogs from the law. Clearly, the PSOE is not the party to turn to if you want to protect animals in Spain.”

715,606 signatures to end bullfighting as cultural heritage in Spain

The voice of Spaniards ignored by Spanish Congress

This means that there will be no debate on the citizens’ initiative. The voices of hundreds of thousands of Spaniards are being ignored — a painful outcome, as a citizens’ initiative is meant to give ordinary people direct influence on politics and legislation. It allows citizens to bring issues to the political agenda themselves.

Even more painful is that in the past ten years, no other citizens’ initiative has received such widespread public support. Moreover, multiple polls and surveys consistently show that most Spaniards oppose bullfighting. A missed opportunity indeed.

Maite van Gerwen, Director of CAS:

“I find it a disgrace for Spanish democracy that this citizens’ initiative is not even being discussed. The call of hundreds of thousands of citizens is simply ignored. I could imagine that some parties, including the PSOE, might eventually vote against the proposed change — but refusing even to debate it is both unexpected and unprecedented.”

Animal cruelty is not culture

During the session, left-wing parties such as Sumar, Podemos, ERC, Bildu, BNG, Junts, and PNV spoke strongly in favour of the initiative. They stressed that animal cruelty can never be considered culture. They also pointed out that the 2013 law — which declared bullfighting part of Spain’s cultural heritage — prevents regional governments from deciding for themselves whether to ban bullfighting.

Thanks to the PSOE, a historic opportunity for change was lost.

We will continue!

Although this decision is a harsh and unexpected setback, it does not mark the end of our fight. With 664,777 valid signatures, this initiative forms a strong foundation for future actions to end bullfighting in Spain.

Petition against EU subsidies

Did you know that your tax money is being used — through European agricultural subsidies — to breed bulls for bullfights and cruel festivals in Spain, France, and Portugal? It is estimated that €200 million per year is spent this way. We believe this must stop.

That is why CAS International, together with animal organisations AnimaNaturalis (Spain) and ANIMAL (Portugal), has launched a petition to end EU agricultural subsidies for bull breeders.

Sign our petition here!

Petition: Stop European agricultural subsidies for bullfighting

 

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