Colombia has approved a bill banning bullfights, marking a significant victory for animal rights activists over advocates who argued to uphold the sport in the South American country.

The centuries-old tradition has become increasingly controversial in the countries where it is still practiced.

Colombia's Congress banned bullfighting on Tuesday following seven years of failed attempts to prohibit the activity, which some political and social groups have vowed to maintain citing its cultural value.

Lawmakers passed the bill 93-2 on Tuesday. Activists have spent many years seeking to prohibit the controversial blood sport, which is a centuries-old colonial tradition in the country. The ban will be phased in over a three-year period,