Footage shows distressed bull with burning horns being led through street in Spain as PETA slams ‘cruel tradition that must be banned’
Horrifying footage of a distressed bull with burning horns in Spain has sparked calls for a ban on the “cruel” tradition of bullfighting.
The clip, shared by the nonprofit organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), shows a white bull appearing agitated as locals drag him through a street in Valencia. There appears to be wood attached to its horns, which is set on fire.
A bull with flaming horns is known as a “toro embolado” – or “bull with balls” – and is a sight that can be seen at bull-running events in many Spanish cities.
The harrowing video shows the frightened animal flapping its horns on the road and appearing to be pulled by a rope.
A moment later, it pushes its horns against a tree, where it appears to get stuck as it pierces the bark.
Horrifying footage of a distressed bull with its horns on fire has sparked calls for a ban on the Spanish tradition of bullfighting
The harrowing clip shows the terrified animal flapping its horns on the road and appearing to be pulled by a rope
A bull with flaming horns is known as a “toro embolado” – or “bull with balls” – and is a sight that can be seen at bull-running events in many Spanish cities
Then, shockingly, a man grabs his tail and tugs violently, forcing the bull to unhook its horns.
Locals continue to drag and push the now defeated animal down the street as hundreds of people watch.
In a post on
A second post from the Spanish charity Animalist Party With the Environment (PACMA) also criticizes the tradition, which has attracted increasing controversy and protests in recent years, with demonstrators arguing it is a brutal and anachronistic event.
The post read: “National disgrace.” This bull was in a state of shock at the popular festival in Puzol, Valencia, on September 7th.
“He left the boxes in a huff, got tangled up and tripped, but that didn’t stop the event from taking place, which included minors.” They also forced the bull to move by pulling on its tail.
“We cannot allow this abuse to continue in our cities.”
Bullfights mainly take place in large amphitheater arenas. Tens of thousands of bulls die in the ring each year as brave matadors tease and coax the animals as they try to avoid being trampled or injured by their horns.
The bull is seen pressing its horns against a tree in fear while a bullfighter pulls on its tail
The locals then watch as a man pulls the bull by its tail and others push it down the street
Reacting to the clip, horrified viewers condemned the video as “cruel”, while another said she felt “sick in the stomach” after watching it.
In 2010, the Catalan government voted to ban the deadly sport in the northeast region, but in 2016 Spain’s highest court overturned that decision, ruling that it was part of Spain’s cultural heritage.
Bullfights also have a long and gruesome history with human sacrifice; It is estimated that more than 530 professional matadors have died as a result of injuries in the ring in the last 300 years.
Reacting to the clip, one horrified viewer – Katarina Hall – added: “How can people stand there and watch this and think this is entertaining or even okay?”
“How can anyone leave an event like this happy and empowered?”
“I literally feel sick watching this video.”
Another, called Julia, added: “People say it’s cultural, but there’s a lot of cruelty in some cultural events. Being part of the culture doesn’t justify how cruel this is!”
And a third added: “This is so heartbreaking to watch.” Why does this inhumane practice still exist? Haven’t we evolved?