[private]Catalonia in Spain has banned the old practice of bull fighting as they considered this act cruel towards animals. In a voting in parliament 68 members voted in favor of abolition of practice and 55 voted against.

Many people who were against this act were seen in jubilant mood celebrating the decision outside the parliament. However, supporters of bull fighting were of the opinion that the practice would still stay in other parts of Spain.

The bull fighting in Spain has come down considerably in the last few years because of the unavailability of funds from the government. There are about dozen bullfights in Catalonia every year and Monumental in Barcelona is a popular venue for it.

A local group PPDF has estimated huge financial losses for the government because of the compensation it would have to pay to the people involved in this industry as they possess long term licenses.

This group has condemned the decision and termed the financial losses totally unjustified. However, people supporting the decision are of the opinion that the economic losses would be very less because of the reduction in number of bull fights in recent years.

There have been many heated debates over this topic in the parliament between opposite groups since last year when this proposal was taken for consideration.

The ban will commence from the start of year 2012. However, this tradition would continue in other regions of Spain.[/private]