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Bullring Bulls

This category includes a range of shows that are held within the arena, along with others more specific to each autonomic community. In some, the animals are almost a complementary element to the show, because, between the music, the drink, and the revelry, a large part of the public barely pays attention to what happens in the arena with the cattle.

A particularly embarrassing example, banned in 2023, is that of the "Firefighter Torero". It was based on making fun of physically disabled people dressed as a firefighter, who faced a bull for the entertainment of the stands. In its most absurd version, boxing matches, musical performances, and all kinds of acrobatics could be represented without any consideration for the animals.

In the squares, it is common to install obstacles so that the trimmers encourage the cattle to jump over boxes, climb wooden stairs, or even swings or pools of water. The only objective is to make a show more enjoyable and increase the animal's stress; it has no traditional or cultural reasons.

Problem

Most bullfighting events in the bullring do not require special skill, participation is open to the public, who usually jump into the ring without preparation or control. The animals are often very young and small in size, sometimes no larger than a large dog or lamb.

These are disoriented babies, who suffer a lot of stress during the first few rides out of the herd and are forced to endure tail-pulling, being grabbed by the horns and being exposed to blows against the stalls and other props.

Reasons

Especially in smaller towns, the survival of such cruel parties is largely explained by the lack of alternatives. The lack of variety in the offer by the city councils perpetuates year after year the commitment to what "has always been done".

The bullring becomes a meeting space during the municipal festivities, and attendees do not question the suffering of the animals used in these shows. The animals are young and usually harmless, which encourages people of all ages to participate in their martyrdom.

Consequences

• Falls and injuries: constant harassment and the presence of large elements lead to animals repeatedly hitting them or suffering sudden falls. The consequences range from broken horns to sprained legs or even loss of consciousness and death in the strongest impacts.
• Harassment: The animals have no escape within the square and are forced to endure constant pulling of the tail, kicks, and blows. It is also common to see flags or clothing thrown in their faces, and stones and other objects thrown at them.
Psychological suffering: The bulls and cows used in these shows in the plazas are often young and have rarely left the farm. Their suffering begins with transportation when they are locked in metal compartments that do not allow them to even turn around. Stress increases with shouting, loud music, and confusion in an unfamiliar place full of people.