  Spain has always been famous for it's bull-fights. Bullfighting is also popular in Portugal, as well as the Latin American countries of Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.This page is not meant to glorify the 'sport' of bullfighting. Rather, it will attempt to question why the notion of thousands of people watching a man put to death many large animals in a single afternoon should be considered a sport at all. Indeed, the notion of killing animals for fun is considered a sport in many places ... we will address that issue as well. This is a page of opinion. We hope you will give the ideas presented here some thought. First, let's examine the bullfight in detail, to see what's involved. Here are the regulations governing officially sanctioned bull fights in Spain.
The newspapers may report the fight, with photos in the sports pages of the next day's edition. League tables of matadors are maintained each season, based on the number of bulls fought, ears awarded, and tails awarded.  Sometimes the bull gets lucky. In Spain the bullfight is called the Fiesta Nacional. There are few places in Spain where a bull-ring can't be found within a short drive. Every week, all over the country, many thousands of Spaniards flock to the nearest bullring; it is reported that each year, within Spain, 24,000 bulls are killed in front of an audience of 30 million people. As entertainment. Although many bullfight attendees are American tourists, surveys indicate that 90 percent of these tourists never return to another fight, after witnessing the cruelty that takes place in the ring. Spanish bulls, and those in Mexico and other countries, are victims of a form of 'entertainment' that noted Mexican author Eduardo del Rio described as "a stumbling block for the humanization of man." The issue here is not entirely the cruel treatment of the bulls. After all, animals are slaughtered for food everywhere, sometimes just as painfully as these bulls are put to death in the ring. Rather more important is the idea that people consider the killing of an animal in this way 'sport', and will pay money to watch it. This brings into question the entire notion of killing animals for 'sport' at all. It could be argued that killing animals for 'sport' is hardly a sport at all, if the animal has no chance to survive. In the ring, the bull has no chance. Many prominent former bullfighters report that the bull is intentionally debilitated with tranquilizers and laxatives, and beatings to the kidneys. It has petroleum jelly rubbed into its eyes to blur its vision, heavy weights hung around its neck for weeks before the fight, and is confined in darkness for hours before being released into the bright arena. A well-known bullfight veterinarian, Dr. Manuel Sanz, reports that in 1987 more than 90 percent of bulls killed in fights had their horns "shaved" before the fight. Horn shaving involves sawing off several inches of the horns so the bull misses his thrusts.  The matador, two picadors on horses, and three men on foot stab the bull repeatedly when he enters the ring. After it has been weakened by fear, blood loss, and exhaustion, the matador attempts to make a clean kill with a sword to the heart. Unfortunately for the suffering bull, he rarely succeeds, and must make several thrusts, often missing the bull's heart and piercing his lungs instead. Often a dagger must be used to cut the spinal cord and spare the audience the sight of a defenseless animal in the throes of death. The bull may still be fully conscious but paralyzed when his ears and tail are cut off as the final show of 'victory.'
Mexican bullfighting has an added feature: novillada, or baby bullfights. There is no ritual in this slaughter of calves. Baby bulls, some no more than a few weeks old, are brought into a small arena, where they are stabbed to death by spectators, many of whom are children. These bloodbaths end with spectators hacking off the ears and tail of the often fully-conscious calf lying in his own blood. This is 'sport'?  It's not just the bulls that suffer. According to Lyn Sherwood, publisher of an English-language bullfight magazine, horses used in bullfights are "shot behind the ear with dope. The horses are drugged and blindfolded and they're knocked down a lot." These horses, who are often gored, usually have wet newspaper stuffed in their ears to impair their hearing, and their vocal cords are usually cut so their cries do not distract the crowd. These animals are often old, tired plow horses who end up being knocked down by bulls weighing up to a half a ton.
American author Ernest Hemingway wrote in his book Death in the Afternoon, "In the tragedy of the bullfight, the horse is the comic character ... I have seen it, people running, horse emptying, one dignity after another being destroyed in the spattering and trailing of its innermost values [viscera], in a complete burlesque of tragedy. I have seen these, call them disembowellings, that is the worst word. When due to their timing, they were very funny. This is the sort of thing you should not admit, but it is because such things have not been admitted that the bullfight has never been explained." Bulls are specially bred for bullfighting. Selective breeding has enabled ranchers to create a bull who will die in a manner 'most satisfying to the public'. Because the sight of a wounded bull desperately trying to retreat from the ring would ruin the image of the 'sport', bulls are bred 'to return to the torture repeatedly, and to appear to be a wild and vicious challenge to the matador. Opinion: So where is the 'sport'? Why is killing a living creature considered by many to be a sport ... and why is it so popular? Even people living in more 'civilized' countries with fewer cultural ties to their barbaric past still manage to maintain the 'sport' of killing animals for fun. Even in Canada. This isn't about killing animals, in captivity or in the wild, for food or other products. That's not the issue at all. What should concern you is why people consider killing a living creature 'fun'. Why does a hunter take pleasure in destroying the life of a living thing with a high-powered rifle, and why is he proud of the fact, and his skill? Why does he call himself a 'sportsman', and hang the head on his wall? What does it prove? That he's a 'real man'?? Killing animals could be a sport, if the animal had a chance. But any half-wit with a big gun and a pocket-full of bullets can kill, without any danger to himself. A true sport would be hunting, say, a female grizzly with a large knife and a stick! Then the hunter could demonstrate all sorts of skills, and be justified in bragging about his kill. The only element of 'sport' involved is in the tracking of the animal, and in the accurate shot. But why does a living creature have to die in order that the hunter can demonstrate these skills? A hunter can track animals with a camera, and record his conquest on film. He can hang beautifully enlarged photos of the animals he has successfully stalked on his wall. He can shoot at targets to demonstrate his prowess with a high-powered weapon. Hunting for 'sport' (rather than for meat or other products) is an activity that should no longer be allowed to be practiced. There is no defensible excuse for it that does not eventually reduce to simple gratification for the hunter. Of course, proponents of hunting will vociferously claim that hunting animals keeps their numbers in check, and strengthens the population. They use the disgusting term 'harvested' when talking about killing animals, as if they were stalks of wheat and not intelligent, self-aware creatures. 'It would be terrible if all those bears and deer were allowed to thrive ... some might die of starvation. Let's shoot them instead!' Unfortunately, with most wild game trophy hunting, it is the biggest and healthiest specimens that are sought after and killed. The pain and suffering endured unnecessarily by many living creatures at the hands of man, for 'sport', is a fact, and is a symptom of an attitude that is long overdue for change, if we are to call ourselves civilized. Contributions From Our Visitors: This page was active for many years on our old site, with a response box where visitors could leave comments. I've left many of those comments here so you can see how people felt about the page. This page drew more responses from people from around the world than any other page on our site. " I dont think you should kill animals big or small nice or mean. I think it is what you call cruelty to animals. And no offense, but I think that bullfighting should end. Because both the bull and the matador could be killed. But if you keep this up there could be a shortage of population and a shortage of bulls for eating. I know you sell the meat after they die, but I still think it should stop. I am only 14 and I'm learning about this in my Spanish class. First of all I thought it was cool, but after I saw one of the videos on it I thought I was gonna be sick. Thank you for letting me state my opinion." Robin "Well, I think it is okay to kill animals, because if you didn't kill pigs, sheep, chicken, cows, etc. we wouldn't have a balanced diet". Sebastian "I agree that it is cruel to kill animals [just] for sport, and I for one think that it should be banned!!" Kathaleen "Hi there. I never did agree with bull fighting. [It] makes no sense. The men are not courageous at all .. the bull is meant to die, and they make sure of it. I see little risk in this sport for the matador. Shame, shame. Sometimes we must become more civilized, and old customs must fall by the wayside. This is one of them!" Marcia "To simply kill an animal for fun is in no way a justifiable action. In fact, I would say that if someone takes pleasure in killing a living creature, they should be committed. BUT we are not just dealing with the simplicity of whether or not killing a bull is fun. We also MUST look at the historical aspect of what is being portrayed here. The Spaniards have killed for sport for many hundreds of years. The people have accepted it. Their government has accepted it. The world has accepted it (and by doing so also provide Spain and other countries with a stronger economy through the tourists that the sport generates.) Why do people always insist on destroying something that is working? I say that if the people of Spain, and other countries are proud to have bull fighting part of their heritage and culture, then so be it." Josh W. "I think that killing innocent animals is WRONG and that it should be banned." Shay "Animals should not be treated this way; they suffer very badly. No animal should be tortured for sport, or for any other reason. Bullfights should not be able to continue. This is one of the sickest sports there ever was." K. Rideolly "I think that bullfighting is just cruel, and should be stopped. What did the bull do get this punishment?" Michael " It is sick. I don't understand how some people can do that in the name of 'sport'. Don't these people have a heart? They are all made out of stone!" Tracey "Well, I think that killing animals for pleasure isn't right. On the other hand, bullfights have to do with the tradition of a country, and in most cases the human is injured. Besides we do eat meat, don't we??" Evi, from Greece " I think it is an outrageous sport. This so-called sport is terrible. I'm not a hunter or anything because I sympathize with the hunted. I always ask myself (or try to) one question before I ever do anything. I ask myself if I would mind if anyone would hear or care what I am about to do? This means I would ask myself if the bull would care getting gored. I think everyone knows the answer if the bull could have a say." Ryan " I think that killing animals for fun is wrong, but what is 'wrong'? This is a part of their culture in Spain and Mexico, and should be allowed to continue. According to the Moral Relativism theory of ethics, we should accept what other cultures do with no questions asked. I'm sure things that [North] Americans do are seen as being wrong [by others], but we continue to do them. If other countries consider this part of their culture, then leave them be. If you can't lie down and sleep at night because of this, go into a ring where the bulls are and try to take them home to protect them. Good Luck!" Denny "People who participate in bullfighting events, including audiences, breeders, matadors, sponsors, and organizers, should all be ashamed of themselves. Claiming bullfighting as sport to alleviate your guilt is pathetic and shameful. You are in big denial when you talk yourself into believing that bullfighting is a sport Deep down inside you know it's not about sport, you know it's about money-earning and ego building. You shouldn't consider yourself as a human being because your participation in any bullfighting event is an indication of animal behaviour." Elish "Bullfighting should end. Why are people so ignorant to not understand that bullfighting is cruel, and should be banned? I guess we will never know. I think that all animals should have the right to live a healthy and pleasant life without having to die for entertainment. I dont think that God would have ever approved of such a sport (if you can call it a sport). Animals deserve to be happy just like humans. Why don't we put ourselves in their position ... I'm sure we wouldn't stand it for one minute!" Michele "We believe that bullfighting is OK for their culture because in North America we hunt and kill deer for sport, which is the same as 'hunting' and killing the bulls." Julie & Alyssa & Tina & Krista "Right off the bat I disagree with the premise of your question: Bullfighting is not a sport. It is a Spanish form of the classic Greek tragedy in which a man, armed with his wits and a cloth, dominates and ultimately kills the bull. It embodies beauty, bravery and passion in the face of imminent death." Larry, Washington State "I think that bullfights are OK because it is a ritual, and in the culture of many countries. To all of you that say the animals suffer, how do you think that nice hamburger or beef gets on your table? Well, it is obviously from an animal that had to be killed, and suffered while dying. So there you go." Joe "Its stupid! Horrible! And by the way, we don't need meat; we can get our protein from beans and grains fruits, and veggies are good too! I'm a vegetarian. Killing animals is wrong! People start with animals, and then go to humans ... its awfull! Animals should have an equal chance of living. ( I love it when the bulls hurt the people!)" Elijah Viggo "I think killing a virtually handicapped bull for sport is something far away from civilization. Seeing more and more women joining this sport is totally disgusting also. Well, the mantra at the moment is 'save the bull and stop the fighting'". B.Sivalingam " I can't believe this is true. Killing innocent animals for absolutly NO reason?! What is wrong with all those who agree? Did anyone ever think they could die? Actually, in most cases they DO die! This is wrong and should be stopped. God wouldn't want innocent animals to be killed, and of course, we must follow His path. STOP KILLING THE ANIMALS!!" Caroline "This is a beautiful sport. Growing up in Spain, you learn to deal with bullfighting, and seeing the inside beauty of it. Besides, I don't know if you all know this, but when the bull dies, they make sure that the stick goes throgh the heart so the animal doesn't suffer at all. It's a Spanish tradition, and who are you to judge? When you eat chicken you are killing little chickens, and so on, so ... everything makes sense." Maria "I think that killing these innocent animals for some dumb sport is STUPID!!!!!!! The poor animals have no choice! Emily "Hello! Does no one here see that is not just 'sport' for these people? It is also their culture. Many of you here are misinformed: ALL of the bulls in the fights are always used for their meat. NOTHING goes to waste. This is no different from the millions of stockyards that kill innocect animals daily, yet the bulls of the fight get a chance to prove themselves to show how brave they are. And do not say that none of this cruelty to animals happens [in North America], because look at horse racing. Those horses are run out without a chance, and in the end when they're old, they either die or just killed. Now what's the sport in that? There is no real culture in horse racing, but there is in bullfighting!!" J "Hey! Sports doesn't mean killing at all ...these are two different things ... I think bull-fighting is barbaric. Sport is meant either to improve in our physical condition, or our mental position. Someone may claim that bull-fighting can make you strong physically and brave mentally. My question is "Hey! Aren't there any other games to do [instead]??" Ocean "Bullfighting is a sport ... a blood sport. It is an essential part of Spanish culture. If Spain were to lose bullfighting, it would lose its history, culture and excitement. It would be like losing Flamenco dancing!!! It is a graceful, beautiful, elaborate, passionate art. It is not cruel, as bulls are used for meat anyway. Who has the right to decide what is 'wrong' regarding Spanish culture? Every country has their traditions, why should Spain be cricized for its own? Not only is it an integral part of Spanish culture but it helps the economy and tourism, making Spain an overall better place." Claire, from Belfast, Northern Ireland "I'd just like to make sure everyone knows the difference between killing animals for food and bullfighting. The thing is that when cows, pigs, chickens, are killed, it's done quickly and humanely from a steel bolt through the head. They don't feel any pain. Bullfighting is a completely different thing. The bulls are often drugged before they're sent out in the arena, making them disoriented and clumsy. Then they get darts thrown at them, stabbed by three, steel, five inch long varas (lances) from people on horses. This is done so the bull can't lift it's head. Then after that the matador comes out and, after tiring the bull even more, finally stabs him with the sword through the cerebral vertebrae and into the bull's heart. Often the matador misplaces the blow and though the bull is hurt significantly, it doesn't always die right away. So it lays there in pain while the matador cuts off the ears and sometimes the tail as trophies. It then gets dragged from the arena to be butchered. Sound fun to you?" Kelly " Bull-fighting as it stands is pretty cowardly. The odds are seriously stacked in the matador's favour. It's not art, it's not sport, it's just a bunch of guys in shiny, tight clothes pretending they're real men. It's sheer butchery. On the other hand, if they were to just have one matador against the bull, then that would be a lot braver. The ancient Cretans would somersault over an uninjured bull's horns as it charged them. Now that is sport." Gordito "This has been a tradition for so long. You people don't understand. There's nothing wrong with killing bulls for sport. Right on, and keep having fun with those bulls!" Kiely "Hello!! First of all It´s important to know that bullfighting is not a sport, it's an art, and it has rules. It represents the fight betwen man and animal, and is similar to a sacrament for the Spaniards. Thanks". Fernando "Bull fighting is a 'sport' that should not continue. When killing a living thing (and plants don't have nerves, so they don't count) you should think of how it's feeling. it is okay to kill an animal as long as it is for food and the animal doesn't suffer long. A bull suffering in the ring does not feel relaxation, it feels pure, hard pain. Nothing living deserves that. And to those who say it is okay because it is part of their culture, I say 'That's great ... so it's all right to do something wrong becaouse other people do wrong? While we're at it, lets get rid of all the endangered species protection laws and finish off the rest of the species on earth (including us).' Let us not forget that though we are able to choose, reason, use logic, learn, etc. we are animals ourselves. And to those who say that taking away bullfighting is taking away Spanish, Mexican, etc. culture that is very important, I say,'I wouldn't want to look at a 'sport' that is a disgrace to humanity every time I look at my culture.' Now, all countries do or have done something that is disgraceful. Britain did treat the American colonists as if they had no rights. But the difference between Britain and Spain, Mexico, etc. is that Britain learned from their mistake and are now America's ally. Now, don't you think it's time Spain, Mexico, etc. should learn from their mistake too?" Wamm K. D. " I think that animals must not be killed for this kind of thing ... in this case only for fun. I don't think that killing an innocent animal could be a way to have fun? The people how practice this kind of 'sport' are really cruel." Daniela "Hello! I'm Spanish and I'm AGAINST bullfighting, and there are a lot of Spanish people like me [who aren't] bullfight lovers. Bullfighting isn't art, isn't sport, isn't culture ... it's a very old and horrible tradition. In Spanish class you probably learn that the Spanish symbol is bullfighting. This is wrong. The Spanish symbol is Don Quixote, from a book written by Cervantes." Emilio "I think that killing as a sport is wrong. I think that when the bull in bullfighting gets tired they should just put it back in its pen. The matador would still win. If the matador got killed or injured I would feel bad, but it makes no sense at all. I just don't think that bullfighting is necessary and I'm only 11." Clara Tú y Yo by Jorge de Jesús 'El Glison' (matador de toros mexicano) "You and I And they say that we fight, that we hate each other, that we wish death to each other; they do not imagine that we actually love each other, that we need each other, that if it was not for you I would not know what to do with my life, and if it was not for me you would not exist anymore. And they say that it is something false, that it is predisposed, that it is fixed and even barbarian, they do not understand that it is a call from the past, that it is instinctive, that it is inherent of the way we are and act, that it is visceral, that it exceeds what we want to think, that it has existed since the beginning of our lives since the moment that our paths crossed a thousand years ago. It is true that you have hurt me and it is also true that I have killed you, but you know that we have to strengthen our love with sweat, blood and pain, and it is just the fair price to be able to do and to be simply what we want, I a bullfighter and you a brave bull." Alfredo (el picador) |
