Bull Stabbed to Death in Spanish 'Festival'

The Toro de la Vega "festival" takes place every September in the province of Tordesillas, Spain. The event entails chasing a young bull through the streets of Castilla y León and stabbing him with darts until he is bleeding and crippled. His testicles are cut off while he is still alive. If he doesn't die of his injuries, the person who ultimately kills him is awarded a ceremonial spear and a medal by the City Council.

Instead of celebrating the town's culture, this event shows a callous disregard for animals. It is unacceptable to harass, torment, and kill animals in the name of culture or tradition, and such senseless spectacles have no place in civilized society.

Please write a polite e-mail to the mayor. Tell him that a permanent end to this event is long overdue. Those in authority must bear the brunt of global condemnation of this event.

Please send polite comments to:

The Honorable D. Emilio Álvarez Villazán
Mayor
ayto.tordesillas@dip-valladolid.es

Please send a copy of your e-mail to the Tordesilla tourist office at turismo@tordesillas.net.