Las Ramblas to lose animal shops.

The numerous outdoor pet-shops along the world famous boulevard are set for closure after the sale of pets has come under fire from the Association for the Protection of Animals. Owners are being given a choice: they can either change their trade and sell something else or accept a compensation package for leaving the premises. Town council officials are even offering to assist them in the search for a new type of merchandise. To this end, a competition has been held to generate ideas for new kinds of stores. The winning idea is a series of interactive panels offering information for tourists.