No circuses but bullfighting okay in Nijar

ANIMALS will have greater protection in Nijar but bullfighting continues. An amendment was added to an IU motion banning the use of animals in all public spectacles, fairs and circuses.

This exempts High School (Haute Ecole) horse displays and bullfighting that are already permitted by Junta de Andalucia laws. “There is no bullfighting ban in Nijar,” said the mayor Esperanza Perez Felices. “We felt the need to include this amendment to clear up widespread confusion in the town.”    

Nijar’s decision to introduce animal protection regulations arose from a formal complaint about the way animals in a visiting circus were treated, explained deputy mayor and IU spokesman, Alexis Pineda. Despite eluding the new ban, there will be no town hall funds for bullfighting, stressed Pineda, whose party abstained from voting on the amendment. 

Strays and the irresponsibility of owners who abandon pets underlined the need for more regulations defining animal cruelty, Pineda said. “We shall draw up a bylaw so that there can be a legal basis for taking action in specific circumstances. “We know it is not a priority but we are working on this and will try to find a solution.”