EU's animal rights laws

Europe gets bullish on animal rights issues

LONDON — Spain's iconic sport, bullfighting, is known for its ferocity and flair. But the centuries-old spectacle may have met its match in an equally tenacious opponent: Europe's animal rights movement.

For the first time Thursday, doping tests were introduced at Spain's most prestigious bullfighting festival after allegations that bulls are given drugs to tip the balance in favor of the matador. Under pressure and falling ratings, Spanish TV has dropped bullfighting from its schedule.

The increasingly vocal anti-bullfighting lobby says it's only a matter of time before the sport is relegated to the history books.

"People in Europe are finally beginning to accept the animal welfare message," said Kate Fowler-Reeves, head of campaigns for Animal Aid, the UK's largest animal rights group. Read More

We’ve talked about the danger of following Europe’s lead on granting rights to animals before. The idea that chimpanzee’s were even considered to receive “personhood” is beyond comprehension. To read Trent’s comments on following the EU’s lead click here.