Credit Union Drops Bullfighting Promos

Hats off to the University of South Florida (USF) Federal Credit Union for pledging not to hold future promotions of the cruel Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, after PETA explained how bulls suffer for the spectacle. Several USF students and alumni complained to PETA that the credit union was holding a “Best Bull” contest that referenced the Running of the Bulls and offered a trip to Pamplona as a prize option.

In its letter, PETA explained that people often use electric prods to force the bulls to run through the cobblestone streets, causing the animals to slip and suffer broken legs and other injuries. After they are driven to the ring, the bulls are tortured to death by being repeatedly stabbed in the neck and back before the matador kills the weakened, bleeding bulls with a sword.

After reading PETA’s letter, USF Federal Credit Union President and CEO Richard Skaggs told us that his organization would not have promoted the Running of the Bulls if it was aware of the cruelty involved and that it will not reference the event or offer the trip as a prize in the future.

According to a 2013 Ipsos MORI survey, more than 70 percent of Spaniards have no interest whatsoever in attending or supporting bullfights and more than three-quarters oppose using public funds to support the bullfighting industry. The only thing keeping the fights alive is tourist dollars. Please opt for travel packages that don’t include bullfighting, and educate your travel agency if it offers bullfights as an option.

Written by Michelle Sherrow