What are they?

Bulls into the Sea

This is a form of event that takes place in an arena open to the sea, located in the port or on the beach of the town where it is held. The bull is made to chase the participants, who dodge its charges by throwing themselves into the sea and provoking the animal until it too falls into the water.

The cruelty of this type of event becomes clear in the already unnatural sight of a bull in the sea. Like most mammals, bulls float and are able to swim by instinct, but they are not prepared for it, nor are they used to water. Their anguish is heightened by their inability to see around them, since the salt water irritates their eyes, leaving them only able to struggle and try to stay afloat. Using ropes tied to their horns, they are towed to the harbour from boats.

The problem

In addition to the harm bulls can suffer during transport to any event, and the harassment and pursuit they endure in the ring, bulls forced into the sea experience extraordinary agony at finding themselves in an environment that is not their own.

Completely disoriented, they thrash about and shake their heads in the water, searching for something to hold on to so as not to drown. The animals are returned to their farms once the event is over, and are used again and again in dozens of towns throughout the season. They are bulls and cows for hire, which are only sent to the slaughterhouse once they are no longer of interest for the spectacle.

Reasons

This form of entertainment involving animals is a holdout unique to Spain. However, the tradition surrounding it continues to serve as an excuse for authorities to keep it going. The idea of watching the sheer strength of a bull seems to arouse great curiosity among fans, to the point of having become an event based on suffering.

Consequences

• Risk of death: Over the years, several cases have been recorded of bulls drowning during this event. Some have been unable to free themselves from clothing, ropes and other items participants use to harass them, which have prevented them from swimming, while others have died in the water from heart attacks.
• Fractures and injuries: They can suffer neck dislocations both from shaking their heads and from being dragged by ropes. They can also suffer injuries from stumbling on paved surfaces or from blows sustained when falling into the water.
• Eye irritation: Salt water causes painful irritation to their eyes, temporarily blinding them and increasing their stress and disorientation.
• Psychological suffering: Although bulls may seem strong and fierce, the truth is that they are highly excitable, temperamental and nervous ruminants, who show signs of panic when separated from their social group. Add to this the anguish of suddenly finding themselves in the water, tied up with ropes amid the shouting and applause of the crowd, and it is clear that this type of event causes bulls enormous psychological suffering.