Bullfighting
Bullfighting pits a bull against men wielding barbed spikes, spears, swords and daggers. These weapons are designed to inflict intense pain and cause blood loss to weaken the animal.
Considered an ‘art form’ by its dwindling number of supporters, bullfighting takes place in several European countries and parts of Latin America.
WSPA believes this violent form of animal abuse should be banned worldwide.
Our campaign focuses on a region that is close to achieving a ban: Catalonia.
WSPA is working towards a bullfighting ban
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Catalonia is leading the way against bullfighting in Spain, thanks to campaigning work by WSPA and Spanish member society Asociacion Defensa Derechos Animal (ADDA).
Overwhelming public support has forced the Catalonian Parliament to schedule a vote that would result in a ban on bullfighting in Catalonia; it will take place later in 2009.
A 'yes' vote for animal welfare in this key region would be a groundbreaking step towards making bullfighting history across Spain and around the world.
Hundreds of thousands of animals die in blood sports every year.
The term "blood sports" applies to various kinds of forced combat between animals: bullfighting, bear baiting, cockfighting and dog fighting to name a few.
Bringing an end to blood sports is just one of the many injustices towards animals we intend to end. It's why we're campaigning for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) at the United Nations. Our hope is, one day, this would be an agreement among people and nations that:
• Animals are sentient and can suffer
• Animals' welfare needs must be respected
• Animal cruelty must end for good
You can help end bullfighting for good
Never attend a bullfight or any other attraction which neglects animal welfare. The bullfighting industry relies heavily on financial support from curious tourists – don't be one of them. Be sure to report illegal or cruel activities to the authorities, local humane societies. Also, encourage your travel provider to not include these types of activities on tours. Read more about being an animal friendly traveler >>
Spread the word to your friends, family and colleagues, especially if you know they will soon be travelling to a region where bullfighting takes place.
Write to your local politicians, asking them to call on bullfighting countries to improve standards of animal welfare and not to promote cruelty for entertainment's sake.
Write to your local newspaper to encourage them to write about bullfighting to help raise awareness of the issue.
Blog or tweet about bullfighting. Harness the power of your social networks to spread the word.
Make a donation to WSPA. Your donations allow us to build capacity where it is needed most.
Sign WSPA's petition for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) at the United Nations >>
