A recent study by the BBVA Foundation reveals that three out of four Spaniards reject animal mistreatment in entertainment and fashion, while tolerance persists regarding their use in food and research. AnimaNaturalis analyzes how to turn this growing empathy into concrete actions and what ideological barriers hinder change.
The study Perceptions of Nature and Animals (2025) reveals categorical rejection of practices that subject animals to entertainment or cultural traditions:
- 84% condemn circuses with animals.
- 80% reject sport hunting.
- 77% demand an end to bullfighting.
- 90% oppose the production of fur coats.
These figures contrast with the permissiveness towards other uses: 73% accept medical experimentation, and 37% support meat consumption. The division is ideological: those who identify with the right-wing (PP and Vox) show three times more acceptance of bullfighting and hunting than left-wing supporters. "It’s no coincidence: those who see nature as a resource justify its exploitation," says Aïda Gascón, director of AnimaNaturalis in Spain.
The report details that 45% of the population perceives a "high level of closeness" with animals, a sentiment that intensifies among women (+12% compared to men), young people aged 18 to 34 (+18% compared to those over 65), and people with university education (+22% versus those with only basic education). Those who live with pets show 30% more rejection of animal-based entertainment.
Bullfighting, declared a Cultural Heritage in 2013, is at its lowest point. In 2008, its average acceptance was 2.7/10; in 2025, it fell to 1.8/10. "This is a victory for activism, but the hardest part remains: repealing laws that shield torture," says Gascón. On February 17, 2025, the platform No es mi Cultura submitted 715,606 signatures to remove its protected status, a milestone that reflects the clash between legislation and social awareness.
Sport hunting, with 80% rejection, also shows generational gaps: 92% of young people aged 18 to 24 consider it unnecessary, compared to 68% of those over 65. "It’s not a sport: it’s violence disguised as tradition," emphasizes Gascón. The data is clear: 74% of Spaniards deny that humans have the right to dominate animals, a stance that has strengthened since 2008, when only 53% shared this view.
In the case of circuses, the evolution is even more drastic. Seventeen years ago, the average acceptance was 4/10; today, it is 1.4/10. "The public no longer tolerates seeing drugged tigers or chained elephants," analyzes Gascón. The report highlights that rejection of these shows is widespread but is even stronger among those with a non-materialistic view of nature (89% compared to 67% of materialists).
Alternatives and Consistency
The path to eradicating suffering requires bold policies and systemic changes. The study indicates that 66% of Spaniards believe it is possible to balance economic growth with environmental protection, a paradigm that should extend to ethical treatment of animals. There are inspiring examples: The Netherlands banned animal circuses in 2015, and Italy stopped funding bullfighting in 2022.
In Spain, the Animal Rights and Welfare Protection Law (2023) was a step forward but excludes bulls and farm animals. "It’s inconsistent: there can’t be partial rights," criticizes Gascón. Viable alternatives exist:
- Cultivated meat: Reduces 90% of CO₂ emissions compared to traditional livestock farming (according to Science Advances, 2024).
- 3D models and organ-on-a-chip: Replace animal experimentation with 97% accuracy in pharmaceutical testing (Nature, 2024).
- Plant-based and synthetic fibers: Companies like Piñatex (made from pineapple) or Mirum (vegan leather) are already used by 84% of Spaniards who reject animal fur.
"Technology allows us to be ethical without giving up progress," insists Gascón. "But political will is lacking: as long as more than 120 million euros per year are invested in bullfighting subsidies, cruelty will continue to be rewarded."
From Outrage to Action
The BBVA Foundation report not only diagnoses the problem: it provides a roadmap for action. AnimaNaturalis proposes:
- Push for an expanded Animal Welfare Law: Including the ban on bullfights, circuses, and fur farms.
- Boycott cruel products and shows: The 84% who reject fur coats have the power to bring this industry down.
- Demand transparency in research: Only 19% know whether their favorite cosmetics are tested on animals. Clear labeling can change this.
Gascón sums it up with urgency: "Every signature, every euro, every conversation counts. Today we know that 94% of Spaniards recognize animal suffering: it's time for laws to reflect this truth."
While 86% affirm that animals have family bonds similar to humans, Spain still allows calves to be separated from their mothers just hours after birth. The study highlights a society in transition, where empathy clashes with ingrained habits. The challenge now is clear: turning compassion into consistency. Join AnimaNaturalis to make this vision a reality.
