Ruffling some feathers in Catalonia with the banning of duck throwing

THE UNUSUAL traditional of duck–throwing has been banned in Roses, a coastal town in Catalonia because it’s cruel to animals. 

Last year the 100 year old event saw an animal rights campaigner being attacked by woman using a duck as a weapon. She repeatedly hit the man with the animal whilst holding it by the legs. 

The festival sees ducks thrown into the Mediterranean, followed by swimmers trying to catch the ducks and return them to shore for prizes. 

Due to the controversy last year and the changing mood in Spain over animal rights, the town´s councillors voted with eight votes to seven in favour of banning the annual event. 

The mayor of Roses, Montse Mindan said: “Times change and society is going down a different path.”  The annual bull run in Roses has also been banned by the councillors who voted on it. 

“A large portion of society no longer accepts the use of animals in entertainment and the protection of animals is an important value for today’s society.” Said the mayor.