A Bit About Bullfighting
Please note: This webpage intends neither to support nor condemn all forms of bullfighting, but simply to educate its readers.
What Happens:
The matador performs a series of "passes" with the bull, in which he uses a cape to trick the bull into moving past his body. Picadors are horsemen who use spears, and drive them into the neck of the bull. Bandilleros drive barbed sticks into the bull's back. The spear is meant to wear down the bull, and the sticks to enliven him for the remainder of the fight. Finally, the bull is killed (after being worn down sufficiently) by a sword thrust between his two shoulder blades. The matador attempts to pierce the heart, thereby killing the bull as quickly as possible. Finally a knife is driven into the back of its neck to eliminate any suffering. Sometimes a bull, after "showing great bravery," will be allowed to live-but this is very rare.
Lethal bullfights are permitted in Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and Mexico.
Among the reasons cited by its supporters are the cultural roots and significance of the bullfight in Latin American countries, how dangerous the bulls are, and the measures in place to limit the suffering of the bull (for example: the whole process has to be completed in less than 20 minutes or the matador will be arrested).
Bloodless bullfights:
In these, common now in Portugal, the bull wears a Velcro patch to which all spears, etc. are attatched. The bull's horns are shaved, rounded, and covered to prevent injury to the horses. Unfortunately, the men involved usually suffer concussions, and broken ribs because of the bull's power. The bull is not killed- but still teased.
What is being done:
The two main groups countering legalized bullfights are the ASPCA, and the ADDA (Association for the Defense of the Rights of Animals). The official position of the ASPCA is, "The ASPCA is opposed to bullfighting and the use of animals as sacrifices in sport and religious fiesta activities. No exceptions recognized." The popular slogan of the ADDA (a Latin-American organization) is, "Torture -neither art nor culture." 
What can I do?
the ASPCA and WSPA are working to urge governments to pass laws making all cruel sports illegal. If you feel that bullfighting is wrong, the best way to express your opinion is by boycotting all such events. The majority of bullfighting is a tourist market.
For more information, visit:
The WSPA has several excellent articles about bullfighting:
WSPA1
WSPA2
WSPA3
Back to Animal Friends!
