Thousands March Against Bullfighting in Alès, France

It was an impressive sight: thousands of activists, coming from all over Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and elsewhere to speak out peacefully for animals who don’t have a voice.

As bullfighters in Alès, in the south of France, were preparing to execute 18 bulls during the town’s annual Ascension Festival this weekend, compassionate people came together to protest against this cruel and archaic spectacle. The major rally was organised by CRAC Europe with the support of many animal rights groups, including PETA France, and sent a powerful message: we won’t stand for bullfighting – it’s time for a ban!

Torturing an animal for sport is just plain wrong. In bullfights, confused and agitated animals “fight” for their lives as men repeatedly pierce them with knives until they are dizzy, weakened from blood loss and suffering agonising pain. By the time the matador makes the final stab, the exhausted bull is already near death. The bulls are often still conscious as their ears and tail are cut off as “trophies” and as they are dragged from the ring on chains.

Alès is one of the few places in France where this barbaric ritual still goes on. Most French towns and most French people would never dream of celebrating violent animal abuse in this way.

It’s the same in Spain – the majority of Spaniards have no interest in bullfighting, yet the government, perversely, is considering protecting it as a cultural pastime. We need to speak out against these plans as a matter of urgency. Please join the movement here:

Photos: Viviane Dean Sea Shepherd