Argentina lawmakers pass law banning greyhound racing

Activists against greyhound racing shout slogans against supporters as both groups gather outside Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Lawmakers are expected to vote Wednesday on a law that would prohibit greyhound racing nationwide. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) (The Associated Press)

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Activists against greyhound racing shout against supporters of the practice, one holding a sign that reads in Spanish "Your business is torture," as both groups gather outside Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Lawmakers are expected to vote Wednesday on a law that would prohibit greyhound racing nationwide. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) (The Associated Press)

A supporter of greyhound racing shows off a tattoo of his dog outside Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Lawmakers are expected to vote Wednesday on a law that would prohibit greyhound racing nationwide. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) (The Associated Press)

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina's Congress has passed a law to ban greyhound racing in a bid to reduce the risk of animal cruelty in the South American country.

Thursday's 132-17 vote in the lower house follows passage in the Senate last year. It set off celebrations by animal activists gathered outside Congress.

The measure includes jail terms of up to four years and fines of about $5,000 for anyone who organizes, participates in or promotes dog races.

President Mauricio Macri has backed the measure and is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days.

Greyhound racing is popular in some regions of Argentina. Numerous jurisdictions across the United States and the world have banned greyhound racing.