I Went to Running of the Bulls with a Message for the Catholic Church
Over the weekend (Sunday 5 July), I was one of dozens of animal defenders protesting at San Fermín Festival, Pamplona, where Running of the Bulls takes place each year.
I travelled there because I couldn’t stay silent while bulls continue to be terrorised, exploited, and killed in the name of tradition. And this year, our message was directed at an institution that should know better: the Catholic Church.
The San Fermín festival is held in honour of Saint Fermin, a third-century Catholic Bishop. Catholic doctrine states that torturing animals is a sin, yet thousands of bulls continue to be tormented and killed at thousands of Catholic celebrations every year. Our demonstration featured an animal defender portraying Jesus standing among bloodied “bulls”, while I and others held signs reading “Thou shalt not kill” and “Bullfighting is a sin”.
We highlighted the contradiction between the Church’s teachings on compassion and its association with events that involve the torture and killing of animals.
The Cruelty of Running of the Bulls
Running of the Bulls, a tawdry tourist attraction, sees terrified bulls and steers chased through the city of Pamplona in northern Spain. They are forced to run along slippery, cobbled streets while large crowds hit and chase them.
Many people who join the Pamplona bull run never realise what happens to the animals afterwards.
Following the chase, bulls are stabbed and killed in bullfights later that same day. They are tormented and repeatedly wounded with weapons before the matador attempts to kill them. Some animals may still be conscious when parts of their bodies are hacked off as trophies.
In total, at least 60 bulls are violently killed at the San Fermín festival.
An International Protest
On Sunday, animal advocates from the UK and other countries joined dozens from Spain to stand together for animals. Although we came from different backgrounds, we shared a common belief: compassion should never be selective. If it is wrong to harm a dog for entertainment, it is wrong to harm a bull for entertainment.
Around the world, attitudes towards bullfighting are shifting. Colombia has passed a law banning bullfighting, while lawmakers in Mexico City have also acted against the practice. This progress shows that traditions rooted in animal suffering can be challenged and ultimately ended.
The Catholic Church must catch up and cut ties with this cruelty. PETA is urging Pope Leo to condemn bullfighting and help end the ritualistic slaughter of animals at Catholic celebrations.
Get Involved
Please join PETA’s campaign calling on the Catholic Church to condemn bullfighting and help end the suffering of animals at festivals such as San Fermín.
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