Spain has recently decided to offer free tickets to children under eight to attend bullfighting events. This decision has sparked outrage and debate across the nation.

Bullfighting is a brutal and outdated practice that inflicts unnecessary suffering on animals. Allowing young children to witness such violence not only desensitizes them to cruelty but also poses significant psychological risks.

Bullfighting involves the matador killing a bull with a sword thrust, a spectacle many see as a core part of Spanish culture and history¹. Critics argue this practice is barbaric and has no place in modern society. Introducing children to this violence at a young age normalizes cruelty and diminishes empathy².

The Harm to Children

José Enrique Zaldivar, head of the Spanish Association of Veterinarians for the Abolition of Bullfighting, has spoken out against this decision. He believes that exposing young children to such events can cause significant psychological harm².

These early experiences of witnessing animal suffering can lead to long-term desensitization and a distorted understanding of violence.

In 2018, the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child urged Spain to ban children from bullfights to protect them from exposure to violence⁴. Despite these recommendations, little has changed.

Allowing children into bullfighting arenas sends a message that violence is acceptable, fostering a harmful environment where empathy and compassion are undermined.

The Ethical Argument

Bullfighting is not just a cultural tradition; it is a form of animal abuse. The practice of killing bulls for sport is incompatible with the values of a compassionate and humane society. Animal rights groups and many citizens argue that bullfighting should be consigned to history, along with other outdated and cruel practices¹.

Ending the practice of permitting young children to attend bullfighting events is a crucial step toward a more humane future. By taking this action, we can protect young minds from trauma and promote a culture that values kindness and respect for all living beings.

The Economic Factor

Bullfighting supports thousands of jobs, from ranchers to event organizers. However, critics argue that these jobs could exist within more humane industries³. The economic benefits of bullfighting should not justify the continued abuse and killing of animals. Instead, we should focus on creating alternative employment opportunities that do not involve cruelty.

The Call to Action

We urge the local authorities of Seville and Spain's Ministry of Culture to end the practice of allowing young children into bullfighting arenas. This change is essential to protect our children from exposure to violence and to promote a more humane society.

Together, we can consign bullfighting to history and build a future that upholds the highest standards of humanity and respect for both animals and children.

Sign our petition today to demand an end to this inhumane tradition. Your support can make a significant difference in creating a compassionate future for all.

More on this issue:

1. Reuters (7 May 2024), "Spanish bullring to let children in free as 'best introduction' to bullfighting."
2. The Guardian (7 May 2024), "Bullfighting firm in Seville to give free tickets to under-eights."
3. Associated Press, Daily Sabah (16 April 2023), "Bullfighting finds new audience among Spanish youths."