Bullfighting: Art or Atrocity?

Bullfighting, one of the most inhumane sports to which an innocent animal is subjected, continues to be considered by some to be a thrilling, exciting and romantic spectacle.

While this brutal sport has already been outlawed in many countries around the world, in others it remains not only legal, but an honored tradition. Mexico, France, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Spain, Portugal and Venezuela are some of the countries in which Bullfighting is condoned.

Conquering and killing the bull by the matador is the main goal of this sport. The main objective is for the matador to kill the bull with a swift thrust of his sword between the bull's shoulders, in an area that is about the size of a coin. Bullfighting aficionados claim that if the matador's aim is absolutely correct, it will take only seconds for the bull to die.

Unfortunately, however, in the majority of cases the matador's aim is not on target. Making this tragic mistake causes the bull's lungs and bronchial tubes serious injury with extensive internal bleeding and pain.

Four to six bulls are killed in every "corrida de toros" or bullfighting event. Every bullfight is divided into three "tercios" or thirds. There are two bullfights during each session which can last up to approximately 20 minutes.

Bullfighting is described by ex-matador D. Alvaro Munera as a "cruel tradition, where the victim first off is innocent and where it is savagely tortured and massacred; as a tradition it is ethically inconceivable," according to the Humane Society International's website.

Agreeing with the former matador's statement, zoologist Jordi Casmitjana said, "All behavioral evidence shows that bulls and cows suffer in bullfights. Yes, they do suffer in all type of bullfights, even in those that do not end with their deaths, and yes, all aspects of any bullfight, from the transport to the death, are in themselves causes of suffering."

What is even more upsetting about the "tradition" of bullfighting; especially in Mexico, is children as young as six years old are permitted to start training for their future career as a bullfighter.

I feel strongly that bullfighting is an abomination that concludes with a meaningless death. There is nothing honorable about this "tradition." Frankly I hope it quickly becomes illegal all around the world.

If you want to help, tell the Head of Government and representatives of the Legislative Assembly of the Federal District to banish bullfighting, using the convenient form provided by Humane Society International.

What are your thoughts about bullfighting? Leave a comment and share your opinion.

Image Source: jorge_