Though I agree that bulls are subjected to unnecessary violence in ‘touradas’, let’s try to remain unbiased concerning some issues. In particular (just to mention two of them):
– “The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child earlier this year expressed concern and called on Portugal to investigate the mental and emotional effects of exposing child spectators to bullfighting.”
I am a 51-year-old Portuguese who, as most people of my generation and one generation younger, grew up with ‘touradas’, which even used to be a family tradition for many.
I am in no way traumatised or emotionally affected by the many ‘touradas’ I watched and I am sure that my country fellows of the same age aren’t either.
I wouldn’t go to touradas nowadays because I learned to see the cruelty behind them but I still find it much more shocking to see images of slaughterhouses and goose liver production. I know people who are very adamant against ‘touradas’ but still buy industrially produced meat. If their kids would see how animals are raised and slaughtered, I am sure they would be much more traumatized than by watching a ‘tourada’.
– “…the horse risks death in the ring either by heart attack or because of the wounds inflicted on it.”
I don’t see much concern about horse races where horses are subjected to an enormous pressure and also risk death on the race lane because of heart failure. Is there any ongoing (international) campaign against horse races? I really don’t know but would gladly join it if existing.
In my opinion, it would be wiser not to exaggerate about some issues as it can take a toll on the credibility of the cause.
Don’t take me wrong, I love animals and have never mistreated any, but when emotions take over discussions, they can go the wrong way.
Clarissa Meca
Via Facebook
March 16, 2023 Edition
PORTUGAL RESIDENT
Printed Edition