Video: How Many More Will Die?
The tables have turned. Eight people have died in bullfighting-related incidents this summer. Of course that number pales in comparison to the thousands of bulls who are stabbed to death in bullfighting arenas in Spain, France, Mexico and Portugal every year.
The violence seen in this footage is not uncommon at bullfights. Months before this incident, at least three people were seriously injured after being gored by a bull at Peru’s Festival of the Crosses.
In a typical bullfight, the bull enters the arena and is approached by picadors—men on horses who drive lances into the bull’s back and neck muscles. They twist and gouge the knives to ensure significant blood loss. After provoking a few exhausted charges from the dying animal, the matador tries to kill the bull with his sword. The dagger is supposed to cut the animal’s spinal cord, but the bull may be conscious but paralyzed as he is chained and dragged out of the arena.
Many have taken to Twitter to share their outrage over bullfighting, including comedian Ricky Gervais:
What You Can Do
If you are travelling to Spain, France, Mexico or Portugal, never attend a bullfight, bull run or any other event where these noble animals are terrorized and abused. Share this page and spread the word that bullfighting is a barbaric spectacle that should be ended immediately.
