I don't think that 'tradition' should be immune from cruelty laws. Plenty of 'traditions' have been overturned as society evolves, and I am glad that this cruel and pointless torture is coming to an end.
Don't get me started on this animal cruelty thing. Unless you live in a bubble, you contribute to animal cruelty everyday of your life. You just don't see it. But for most people, as long as they don't see the cruelty, they don't care.