Medinaceli, España. Despite health restrictions, a massive security operation, and an ongoing legal battle, the cruel tradition of the Toro Jubilo in Medinaceli prevailed once again over the animal's welfare. Its ordeal was documented by our investigation team.
Elgoibar , España. The sokamuturra, popularly known as the “bull on a rope” or “cow on a rope,” returns every year to the squares and streets of numerous towns in the Basque Country. What many regard as tradition, others —and scientific evidence and animal welfare organizations that have documented its effects— recognize as a practice that causes physical and psychological stress, risk of injury, and, at times, acts of real cruelty repeated without effective sanction.
Barcelona, España. While bullfighting is commonly associated with cape-and-sword corridas in arenas, the "toro embolado" (fire bull) is part of a wide spectrum of popular bull festivals where the animal isn't killed. Here we explain what they are and what we must do to end them.
Pasaia, España. We have filed a complaint with the Basque Government over serious irregularities during a bull festival held on July 31st, which continued after a heifer fell into the water in an unprotected area.
Dénia, España. On July 8th and 9th, investigators from AnimaNaturalis and CAS International documented one of the cruelest aspects of Dénia's local festivals: the 'bous a la mar' (bulls to the sea). This spectacle involves chasing young bulls and cows to force them off a purpose-built platform into the harbor waters. What is billed as tradition or entertainment becomes a hellscape for the animals – marked by sheer terror, physical blows, relentless heat, and utter exhaustion.
Sant Jaume d´Enveja, España. We visited Sant Jaume d'Enveja (Tarragona), one of the Catalan municipalities that organizes the most festivals, to expose the harassment and mockery that animals are subjected to in these popular celebrations.
Sant Jaume d´Enveja, España. While documenting a traditional "correbou" bull event in Sant Jaume d'Enveja (Tarragona), members of AnimaNaturalis – including its director Aïda Gascón – were assaulted and threatened. The footage reveals not only animal cruelty but also escalating violence against those working to expose it.
Medinaceli, España. The celebration of Medinaceli's Toro Jubilo, scheduled for November 16, has been suspended by the Administrative Litigation Court of Soria, ruling that tradition does not justify animal suffering. The measure, in response to an appeal by PACMA, underscores the legal protection of animals as sentient beings and highlights the progress of Spanish legislation on animal welfare.
Elgoibar , España. Although Sokamuturra remains a traditional event in various towns across the Basque Country, animal rights advocates denounce the suffering inflicted on the bulls during these spectacles. Is it time to rethink this custom?
Dénia, España. The recent debate in Dénia about bous a la mar rekindles the controversy between those defending bullfighting traditions and those fighting for animal rights. Despite the proposed modifications, the root of the conflict remains the exploitation and suffering of the bulls in these events.
Medinaceli, España. In a landmark decision in the fight against animal cruelty in Spain, the Administrative Litigation Court No. 1 of Soria has declared illegal the municipal ordinance that allowed the celebration of the Toro Jubilo in Medinaceli, Soria. This ordinance, dating back to 1999 and modified in 2000 and 2015, has been annulled following a lawsuit filed by the Animalist Party with the Environment (PACMA) in November 2023, in a process that could spell the end of one of the last "embolado" bull events in Castilla y León.
Falces, España. AnimaNaturalis and CAS International denounce the dangerous incidents that occurred during the second running of the bulls at El Pilón in Falces, Navarra. This event, held on the morning of Monday, August 12, once again highlighted the inherent risks for both animals and participants, as well as spectators, including minors whose presence was documented by the organization in blatant violation of safety regulations.
Godelleta, España. This past Sunday, July 7, Godelleta, a small municipality in the Valencian Community, was the scene of a tragic incident during one of its traditional bullfighting festivals. At 9 a.m., a bull with a rope tied to its horns was released to run through the streets of the town. At one point during the run, the young men pulled on the rope just as the bull began to run, causing the animal to slip and break a horn.
Medinaceli, España. Medinaceli, a small corner of Soria, once again finds itself at the center of a dark spectacle that ignites outrage and international condemnation. In this peaceful village of 721 inhabitants, the Toro Jubilo stands as a testament to human cruelty, a stark reminder that, in the 21st century, barbarity can still find its place in society.
Madrid, España. AnimaNaturalis and CAS International have launched a pioneering investigation in Spain that reveals an estimate of the expenses incurred in 2019 by the 1,820 municipalities that organize and finance this type of festival. 22% of Spanish municipalities hold some type of popular bull festival each year, with the majority concentrated in the Valencian Community, Castilla y León, and Castilla-La Mancha.
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