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European Union taxpayers have been subsidizing bullfights, but the European Parliament’s Environment Committee has voted to remove this government handout from its budget.

The Committee’s decision to cut financial aid to “those who breed bulls for bullfights” is based on existing law, which states that “animals kept for farming purposes should not suffer pain, injury, fear or distress. Clearly these conditions are not met where it concerns bulls that are used for lethal bull-fighting.” (note to lawmakers: should be bulls “who” are used…)

Footage of matadors tormenting, stabbing and killing bulls for “sport” is difficult to watch. Less difficult to watch is a terrified and confused bull jumping over an arena wall and charging into the crowd:

Members of Parliament will vote on the Environment Committee’s amendment during the week on September 15th.

Colombia’s constitutional court has ruled that Bogota’s 2012 ban on bullfighting violates people’s “right to artistic expression.” The reversal of the ban is a setback for the local animal rights community and, of course, for the bulls.

In response to the news, Humane Society International said: “Stabbing an animal for entertainment is wrong. Where cruelty starts, culture ends.” In 2013, two participants were killed during bullfights in Northern Colombia.

Colombia judges have ruled that “art” should be protected – even if it constitutes animal torture, apparently. But will they continue defend this bloodsport if more people are killed? To the judges I ask, “How many more people have to die before “right to artistic expression” doesn’t fly?” Bullfighting is among the most barbaric forms of animal torture. Even when the matador is gored and loses the “fight,” the bull is still executed with a sword. Some sport!

Spanish bullfighter in 2010 (photo: Getty)

On August 25th, we reported that police and bullfight fans attacked protesters in Southwestern France after they entered the arena in an attempt to stop or delay the bullfight. Here is raw footage of the brave activists occupying the arena and then being dragged, attacked and pepper-sprayed by the police.

One day, this footage will be in a Museum of Animal rights. In the meantime, we must continue to make history by participating in or supporting non-violent direct action, as shown in this video.

Bullfight fans who cheer when terrified animals are stabbed to death seized on the chance to commit their own acts of brutality. When 150 members of the anti-bullfight group CRAC Europe jumped into the arena in Southern France, both fans and police attacked them with batons, tear gas and a metal bar, sending four to the hospital. In his description of the harrowing experience, CRAC president Jean-Pierre Garriques said, “Several aficionados attempted to throw activists over the side of the ring.” By jumping into the arena and disbursing, the activists had hoped to stop or delay the bullfight. What they did not anticipate was the police and fans violently beating them to the cheers of onlookers. Raw footage:

Violence begets violence, so bullfight fans attacking protesters should come as no surprise. Still, the degree of the beatings is unexpected in a developed country like France. Ironically, bullfighting is punishable by two years in prison for animal cruelty in the 90% of the country where it’s illegal.” Learn more about bullfight cruelty and discourage your friends who visit France, Mexico and Spain from attending one.

Morrissey, the former frontman for the Smiths and animal rights activist, has released a song entitled, “The Bullfighter Dies.”  Here are the relevant lyrics:  “Mad in Madrid / Ill in Seville / Lonely in Barcelona / Then someone told you and you cheered / You cheered ‘Hooray! Hooray! the bullfighter dies / And nobody cries / Because we all want the bull to survive.“

Who would believe that, in 2014, thousands of people gather in arenas in Mexico, Spain, France and Portugal and pay money to to watch men stab bulls to death?  It’s so egregious and archaic.  How can anybody possibly route for the bullfighter?  To learn more about bullfighting and find out what you can do to help, please visit PETA’s webpage entitled Bullfighting: A Tradition of Tragedy