It's been around a long time, it's part of Spanish culture. But it's killing for entertainment, we consider ourselves civilised in this age and grant animals rights to be treated fairly. Of course we kill animals such as cattle, sheep & pigs in vast quantities every day - but it happens out of sight behind closed doors in meat processing plants, and we insist it is done quickly and humanely.

Maybe the future of bull fighting could be modified to be non lethal to the bull. But then there is still an argument the animal is being tormented and stressed. Other parts of Spain have outlawed it completely, maybe Madrid's bullring will be used for something completely different in years to come.

With two fights down and four remaining in the evening, I'd seen enough in my 45 minutes in the bullring. I wandered back to the hotel pool for a swim and to catch the last of the early evening sunshine.

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