Bull chasing in Spain - Bull run in Pamplona ends mildly despite nasty scenes
At the third bull run of the traditional Sanfermin-Festival in the northern Spanish city of Pamplona, at least two runners have been injured. Fewer than in previous runs, during which five to six participants ended up in the hospital. Commentators on the state TV-channel RTVE expressed relief, as there were some dangerous scenes during the wild chase through the narrow streets with six wild bulls.
A bull became entangled with one of the runner's clothing, lifted him up, but then continued its charge. The young man held his distorted face and rolled under a safety fence to safety. He was attended to by paramedics there. However, it appeared that he did not sustain any serious injuries.
Animal rights activists lament that the bull run is nothing more than a panicked flight for the animals through the crowds of people unfamiliar to them. It is animal cruelty that should be stopped immediately. The bulls die after the run in the bullring. The centuries-old festival in honor of the city's patron saint San Fermin has attracted more and more people despite the criticism.
The traditional festival began on Saturday and ends on the coming Sunday. Every day at 8:00 am, six bulls, each weighing around 600 kg, and several tame calves are chased through the narrow streets of the Old Town to the arena.
During the bull-jumping trials of the predominantly young men over the more than 800-meter-long course, dozens of runners are injured every year. Since 1924, there have been 16 fatalities, the last one in 2009. There are a total of eight runs.
Apart from the bull runs, the festival offers numerous cultural events for families and children.
- Despite the criticism from animal rights activists, the bull chase during the Sanfermin-Festival in Pamplona, Spain, continues to attract a large crowd every year.
- Customs and traditions often clash with modern concepts of animal welfare, as seen in events like the annual Bull Run in Spain, where bulls are chased through the streets for the festival.
- Hunting for sport is a controversial topic, and the Bull Chase in Pamplona's cultural festival is one example of a custom that raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare.
