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What is Bull Fighting ?
The tradition of bull fighting can
be traced to the age old tradition of bull worship and sacrifice
– where after worship the sacred bull was killed. In the olden
days, bull fighting was very popular in Rome where games
involving man and angry animals were considered as a warm-up for
gladiatorial sports. Bull fighting perhaps originated in Spain
but with time, it spread to other countries including France
where it became a distinct form in its own right.
Dangers associated with bullfighting
Bull fighting is not only dangerous and fatal for the bull but
for the matador (the bull fighter) as well. This is an extremely
risky game that demands the player to tease the animal, come
close to the bull’s right horn as it makes a dive at the
attacker’s collarbone though the aorta. This is the most
dangerous moment. The matador is supposed to save himself from
this danger and stab the bull in the lungs, killing it. The
matador, as is evident, is severely wounded by the bull. A
special doctor or surgeon is found in Spain who specializes in
treating these wounds generally called ‘cornadas’ (horn-wounds).
They are very well paid, very well respected and invited to the
best and most prestigious parties in town. These specialists are
present in the bull rings which generally have an operation
theatre to treat patients immediately. Some bull rings have a
chapel or a place of worship where the fighter can offer a
prayer in front of the spectators; there is also a priest who
can help the matador in case an emergency religious ritual is
requested.
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How is
the bullfight initiated ?
The poor animal is intentionally injured or wounded by dropping
heavy sandbags on their backs. According to the reports released
by Salamanca University, Spain, almost 20 percent of the bulls
used for fighting are drugged before the starting of the game;
in some cases, the bull’s horn is cut or shaved off a few inches
so that its co ordination is impaired. This practice though
illegal is still fairly common.
When the animal enters the arena, it first encounters the
‘picadores’ or men riding on blindfold horses. These men injure
the bull by driving spears through its neck and back muscles,
wounding it to an extent where it is unable to even lift up its
head. The spears are hit to ensure that there is a significant
amount of blood loss. After this the picadores move out and
enter the ‘banderillero’. |
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These men on foot then attack the
bull with bright colored harpoon like weapons called
‘banderillas’ and stab it into its back. When the poor animal is
almost weakened by the huge amount of blood loss, these
banderilleros torment the animal further by making it run in
circles so that it becomes dizzy and finally stops chasing. The
matador then enters the arena and after teasing the almost dying
animal, attempts to kill it with a sword. If the poor animal
escapes this, an executioner is called to stab the animal to
death! This barbaric act is cheered and applauded by the crowd
and if the latter is very happy with the matador’s performance,
the bull’s ears and tail is cut off and presented to him as a
souvenir.
Bull
fighting from a social perspective
Traditionally this sport is associated with ‘male’ courage and
chauvinism. This sport was primarily introduced for the poor
people to get some fame and earn a fortune. Once famous, the
matadors can take home handsome amount of money and eventually
retire rich and (in most cases) breeds his own pedigreed bulls.
Resistance against bullfighting
Though this sport originated in Spain and still continues to be
pretty popular amongst a certain section, it is supported by
less than 10 percent of Spanish citizens. It is referred to as
an ‘extremely’ cruel blood sport and fiercely criticized by the
Animal Welfare organizations who believe that we have no right
to kill or wound an animal for sheer entertainment. Pope St.
Pius V had declared that bullfights should be ‘abolished’ as
they are ‘altogether foreign to piety and charity’. He has also
urged that people should not attend ‘these cruel and disgraceful
exhibitions of the devil’. Bull fighting has been banned in many
countries and people taking part in these can be put behind bars
for animal cruelty.
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In the recent years Barcelona, the
second largest city in Spain, declared itself as an ‘anti
bullfighting city’ and in the year 2006 the last bullfighting
arena was closed off due to the ‘very low attendance’. A survey
conducted by Gallup in the same year showed that nearly 72
percent Spaniards did not display any interest in this sport as
against the 31 percent in the 90s. Following the footsteps of
Barcelona, 38 Catalan local governments also went against
bullfighting. However, in spite of such steps, Spain has over
1,200 bull ranches, funded by the government and quite a few
state sponsored bullfighting schools. The good news is that
people are becoming increasingly conscious and aware about this
cruel and gruesome sport and this is evident in the slump
witnessed in countries like Mexico, Portugal and China. Recently
the Beijing government decided not to build a bull fight arena
in a popular tourist destination as it felt that the country’s
image would be tarnished. France continues its tradition of
bullfighting in cities like Nimes, Arles, Dax, Toulouse and
Byonne. |
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Do you know that every year
approximately 10, 000 bulls are killed in bullfights? Is there any
chivalry in a game that involves a confused, wounded and
psychologically tortured animal fighting against a so called brave
sword-wielding matador? In a gist, this game is one of the most
indefensible kind of animal abuse.
How can you fight this cruel
practice?
You can also play a vital role in fighting this cruel game. If you
are planning to go for a vacation in a country that legalizes
bullfighting, please inform your travel agent that you are against
such practices that involve cruelty to animals. You can even write
to the ambassador of the country enquiring whether any form of
animal slaughter is a part of their tourist attraction. Please tell
your friends and family to do the same when they are planning a
vacation. Make it clear that you don’t want to be a part of such
cruel activities. Remember, intervention of people like you can make
a difference in these poor animals’ lives.
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Article Contributed By: Sukanya
Banerjee
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