The parliament in the Spanish region of Catalonia is expected to vote on a proposal to ban bullfighting later this week.

Local media reports say those in favour of such a ban have the numbers they need to get it approved.

The bill went to Parliament after 180,000 Catalans signed a petition circulated by anti-bullfighting group Prou! ("Enough"), which argues bullfights are cruelty to animals.

Politicians are due to debate the issue on later and the vote is scheduled for Wednesday.

If the law is passed, Catalonia will become the second Spanish region to ban bullfighting after the Canary Islands.