Watch Out!

Fresh from mountains of controversy regarding the banning of bullfighting in Catalonia, as well the injuries encountered at San Fermines, it seems that more problems are occuring in the Spanish world, not a good sign for those fighting to stop an outright ban on bull fighting!

In fact near to Pampolona, where San Fermines traditionally takes place, in the small town of Tafalla, yesterday drama struck when a bull escaped from the ring into the audience. 40 people are thought to have been injured, including a 10 year old boy who is now suffering from stomach wounds, and another spectator who was gored.

Despite the best attempts of the audience to stop the bull, including an attempt to grab both the tail and horns, the bull seemed unstoppable! Many are now blaming the practice known specifically as "recortadores" in which the toreros attempt to dodge the bull, angering it by continually running away.

But, this isn't a new event by any stretch of the imagination, and injuries because of bull fighting are rife, and not only for humans. Firstly one must take into account the large number of horses injured, many fatally, as well as the simple fact that many of the bulls are killed after the fight. Hardly a humane sport! Then, of course, there is the human effect; many hundreds have been injured, and a vast proportion fatally…

So what do you think? Is an outright ban necessary or should the Spanish retain this crucial part of their heritage?