Today in Catalonia, lawmakers have put an end to an important, but rather brutal, cultural tradition: bullfighting. Catalonia is just one region of Spain, but might inspire other regions to follow suit.

• Bullfighting is a performative show down between a person and a bull, with the bull generally being killed at the end.
• Practically, the effect of the new ban will be limited. Catalonia has only one functional bullring in Barcelona. It holds 15 fights a year, which rarely sell out.
• Usually, Spain holds about 1,000 bullfights a season.
• Although some got caught in discussion of political maneuvering and Catalonia's resistance to national identity, the bottom line is a victory for animal welfare.
• Cheers erupted when the ban passed in the legislature 68-55.
• The ban will take effect in 2012.
• In the Madrid region of Spain, animal rights activists have gathered over 50,000 signatures on a petition to force discussion of a ban in their region. Their battle might be tougher as the area is controlled by a more conservative party.

What can you do?

While dog fighting is not an American past time, it is definitely way too popular. Raise awareness about the problem, and if you see any instance of animal cruelty yourself, report it!!