A bullfighter has sparked outrage after he posted a picture showing him taunting a bull with a red cape while holding his baby daughter under his arm.

Francisco Rivera posted the picture on Instagram, on which he has 53,000 followers, showing him with his five-month-old baby just inches away from the bleeding and enraged animal.The renowned bullfighter, aged 42, nearly lost his life last year when he was gored by one of the animals in Huesca, Spain.

He says his daughter, Carmen, is the fifth generation of fighters in his family and he was “goaded” both by his grandfather and father to continue a “tradition”.

He said he had also been held by his father while he was fighting a bull in a similar way.

He wrote:

“Living history is repeated. “It’s living the best legacy, feeling, purity, honour.”

Animal campaigners are incensed by the move and say the pictures have offended many people as what he did was “irresponsible”.Others have accused him of endangering the life of his child.The animal rights party, PACMA said: “Shame! Fran Rivera fights with his daughter in his arms.

“It’s totally contrary to education about the respect of animals.”One Twitter follower said: “I am speechless!” whilst another commented: “Poor Carmen!”

In just 13 hours after the picture was posted, it received more than 130 comments but not all were derogatory.

One said: “Lovely picture to remember” whilst another tweeted: “Ole ole ole. “What a great image to lavish upon us.”