Animal rights activists call for bull fighting ban in Spain

MADRID, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Spanish animal rights activists said bull fighting at the Toro de la Vega festival in Tordesillas should be abolished, calling the practice "torture."

Parliament debated a possible law to ban the practice Thursday in response to mass marches by the Pro-Animal Party, PACMA, and a petition with 85,000 signatures, ThinkSpain reported.

At the Toro de la Vega, bulls are struck with as many as 100 spears as they run around a ring, PACMA members said. The bulls are covered in blood as they collapse and die.

"Torture cannot hide behind the excuse of 'tradition', " said Izquierda Unida party spokeswoman Laia Ortiz.