Spain bullfighting: Thousands rally in Madrid to demand ban

Protesters held up banners saying "Bullfighting, the school of cruelty" and "Bullfighting, a national shame".

The number of bullfights is falling in Spain, but some 2,000 events are still held every year.

In June, the government of Castilla y Leon banned the killing of bulls at town festivals.

The move targeted the controversial Toro de la Vega festival, in Tordesillas, where horsemen chase a bull before spearing it.

Chelo Martin Pozo travelled from Seville to Madrid to join the demonstration.

"Bulls feel and they suffer," the 39-year-old said. "Bullfights are a national shame".

Madrid resident Azucena Perez said: "I think our laws should prohibit the torture of animals as a form of entertainment."

Recent opinion polls suggest public support for bullfighting has waned, but annual events, such as Pamplona's San Fermin, are still followed by a loyal crowd and many tourists.

Read more at BBC