Spain animal rights advocates push for wolf protection and bullfighting reforms

In Spain, animal rights advocates and cultural figures are intensifying efforts to influence legislation regarding animal welfare and species protection.

In Asturias, the political party PACMA has filed a legal appeal with the High Court of Justice of Asturias against Decree 48/2026. This decree modifies the II Wolf Management Plan for the region. PACMA is requesting a precautionary suspension of the decree, arguing that the changes could permit wolf culling, which would cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem and violate the Habitats Directive. The party contends that the administration is ignoring scientific advice and legal precedents regarding the protection and recovery of the species.

Separately, more than 25 prominent cultural figures, including Carlos Bardem and Clara Lago, have signed a letter addressed to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. They are calling for a vote on the future of bullfighting. This follows a previous attempt via a Popular Legislative Initiative (ILP) that failed to proceed after the PSOE abstained from voting. A new parliamentary proposal, supported by Sumar deputy Nahuel González López, seeks to repeal the legal status of bullfighting as intangible cultural heritage, aiming to end its special legal protection.