Spain Moves to Bar Children from Bullfights

Spain’s Ministry of Youth and Childhood has introduced a proposal that would prohibit children and adolescents from participating in events involving violence against animals, including bullfights. The measure would be incorporated into Spain’s broader child protection framework, the Organic Law on the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents Against Violence. The proposal reflects longstanding concerns that exposure to such violence can cause trauma and lasting psychological harm to young people.

The initiative follows Spain’s recent periodic review before the United Nations in Geneva, where concerns were raised about the lack of legal protections preventing children from attending or participating in violent animal entertainment. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child requested clarification from the Spanish government regarding minors enrolled in bullfighting schools and other activities involving live animals. Research shows that children exposed to or involved in violence against animals may experience negative emotional, physical, and psychological effects. The UN issued similar recommendations in 2018 urging Spain to prohibit children’s involvement in bullfighting, but Spain failed to act on those recommendations.

The new proposal would bring Spain closer to international child welfare standards. The bill includes explanatory text noting that exposure to violence in entertainment settings, even when framed as cultural tradition, may desensitize children to suffering, impede the development of empathy, and shape attitudes toward conflict and the use of force. The measure is expected to be reviewed by multiple government departments, including the Ministry of Justice, before advancing to the Council of Ministers. While the legislative process is still underway, the proposal marks a significant shift toward prioritizing the well-being of minors in Spain. 

Protecting children from witnessing this type of violence is an important step. However, violence against animals should not be normalized for anyone. Spain now has an opportunity to go further by ending bullfighting altogether. As the country once again finds itself in the international spotlight, you can help keep the pressure on by signing our petition calling for an end to this cruelty once and for all.