Colombian High Court OKs Bullfights In Bogotá, But Toreros Continue Their Hunger Strike

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 22: Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo performs during the Bullfighting Charity Festival in Madrid at at Palacio Vistalegre Arena bullring on March 22, 2014 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) (2014 Getty Images)

A Colombian high court says bullfights can return to Bogotá's historic ring, more than two months after they were suspended by the capital city's mayor.

The Constitutional Court's press office says the high court agreed with the Corporación Taurina de Bogotá, which organizes bullfights in the city. The company says the group has the right to hold bullfights there at least through the end of its contract in March 2015.

There was no immediate response by Mayor Gustavo Petro.

Fourteen apprentice bullfighters have been on hunger strike to protest moves to eliminate the blood sport in Bogotá, but they say they won't end their protest until they know what Petro is going to do.

Taking their stand outside Bogotá's downtown Santamaría bullring starting on August 5, the bullfighters claim that the mayor's move has put about 35,000 people out of work and that the Colombian capital has missed out on almost $1.6 million in revenue that might have been generated during the bullfighting season.

Bullfighting has been practiced in Colombia since the 1800s, with about 100 bullfights held there each year.

Throughout Latin America, bullfighting is seen as a large part of the cultural heritage by some and as a barbaric practice by others.

A number of animal right activists have taken to social media to support the ban, while aficionados, bullfighters and bullfight organizers point to a long history of the pastime in Colombia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.