I understand that in some countries, particularly Spain and Portugal, bullfights are a traditional pastime. That however does not stop them being cruel and totally unnecessary in the 21st Century. Gradually the human race has been addressing it's tortuous pastimes. There have been many around the world over the years such as bear baiting, dog fights and cock fighting which have been legislated against, in most civilized countries. Finally the United Kingdom is attempting to address the cruelty of fox hunting. Similarly countries which still allow bull-fighting should be addressing the problem and having a re-think.

It is very sad for a country to have it's most renowned tradition be an event where an audience sit watching an animal being tortured to death, by someone who could be fatally injured during the process. It all smacks of the horrors which were inflicted on Christians in Italy centuries ago and is totally barbaric.

The fact that bulls are not people should make no difference. Never forget that the bull may be a long time dying and be in terrified agony. Can you in all honesty, hand on heart, believe that this is acceptable. They have a right to a reasonable life and we have no rights as a supposedly 'more intelligent living being' to inflict unnecessary pain on them, profit whilst doing so and sadistically enjoy the whole process. For a country to then hail this event as one of their best traditions is outdated and to my mind idiocy.

Bull fighting is a thing of the past and as such should be firmly put in the past. To attend such a venue or participate in this 'Sport' is to condone animal cruelty and agree with this form of entertainment. If people stop attending such events bull fighting will disappear but, if not, it is about time governments legislated against it. All the arguments used against the banning of fox hunting, bear baiting and bull fighting are a nonsense and people will find other more reputable ways to make a living.

As for tourists and holidaymakers attending bull fight all I can say is that they must have a funny idea of entertainment. If visitors boycotted these events this to would help put this tradition in the past also.

Learn more about this author, Ethel Smith.
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