The voice of Spanish society has resonated loudly: the Popular Legislative Initiative (ILP) “No Es Mi Cultura” has submitted 715,606 signatures—42% more than required—to demand the removal of bullfighting as cultural heritage. This Iniciative not only surpasses the 500,000 required signatures but also eclipses by tens of thousands the initiative that years ago safeguarded bullfighting festivities. A clear message: the rejection of normalizing animal violence as tradition is now unstoppable.
February 17 will be marked as the day compassion turned into action. Thousands of people, from Barcelona to Granada and from La Rioja (with support from 5.40% of its census) to Madrid, raised their voices. Catalonia led with 155,774 signatures, followed by the Valencian Community (119,578) and Madrid (102,857), demonstrating that this outcry transcends geographies and ideologies. Even in regions with deep-rooted bullfighting traditions, such as Navarra and Asturias, support was significant (3.87% and 3.33%, respectively).
The list of supporters includes key figures: from Yolanda Díaz (SUMAR) and Ada Colau (Podemos) to Rosa Montero and Carlos Bardem, along with groups like Madrid firefighters and influencers such as Arkano. “These signatures are not just a number: they are the voice of a society that rejects the idea that the torture of an animal should be protected in the name of culture”, emphasized Aïda Gascón, director of AnimaNaturalis in Spain and a member of the ILP Promoting Committee.
What happens next?
Following the submission, the Electoral Census Office will have up to six months to validate the signatures. Once confirmed, the proposal will reach Congress, where the reform of Law 18/2013 will be debated. The objective is clear: to remove bullfighting from the article that declares it cultural heritage, restoring to municipalities and autonomous communities the power to prohibit it.
But the road ahead will not be easy. Although public support is overwhelming, the legislative process requires intense political lobbying. “This is not just an animal rights issue, but a matter of democratic coherence”, insisted Gascón. The biggest challenge: convincing parties like the PSOE, traditionally linked to bullfighting sectors, to prioritize ethics over minority interests.
This achievement is just the first step, but the real test is yet to come. To ensure that the 715,606 signatures do not get lost in the corridors of power, it is crucial to maintain an independent and cross-party political pressure campaign. “Our fight is not partisan: it is an ethical commitment”, Gascón emphasized.
This is where your role remains vital. Just as more than 2,000 certifiers collected signatures under rain and sun, we now need resources to hold meetings with parliamentary groups, mobilize expert lawyers, and create content that keeps this issue on the public agenda. Organizations like AnimaNaturalis are already working on this next phase, but every financial contribution multiplies our impact.
Join this dream
While countries like Colombia have already banned bullfighting and Mexico is advancing toward making it illegal, Spain cannot be left behind. According to the Eurobarometer, 72% of the population rejects the use of public funds for bullfighting. This movement not only defends animals but also reflects a society demanding evolution toward a culture based on empathy.
“Each signature is a cry against the impunity of animal torture”, declared Gascón during the submission on Monday, February 17. Today, that cry must become law. If you believe, as we do, that true culture does not hurt, add your voice to the next stage. Support AnimaNaturalis, become a member, or share our cause. The bulls are running out of time; their freedom depends on us staying vigilant.
