Spain has made great strides in recognising the rights of animals, firstly by changing the legal status of cats and dogs from objects to sentient, living beings, and now, a proposed ‘animal rights’ bill that will outlaw zoos and pet shops and bring in tougher prison sentences for animal abusers. Despite all this, bullfighting, inexplicably, remains unchecked.

Spain is the latest European country to pass new legislation recognising the sentience of ‘pets’ and wild animals, paving the way for welfare reforms, but with no mention of bullfighting or changes to its status as a protected cultural asset.