Bulls in Bullfighting: Fate and Morality

Everywhere I traveled through Andalucia, I heard from locals that the tortured fate of a bull in a bullfight was determined one way or another by the matador or fate itself. A vigorous bull, one that runs and charges, showcasing the skill and bravery of the matador, is the ideal spectacle for the enthusiastic audience. Conversely, a bull that gives in to fear and weakness does not serve the purpose, and unfortunately, the outcome is the same for either outcome—certain death.

The local perspective on the outcome is somewhat comforting; they see the bravery of a bull to its last breath as a dignified end. Unlike a downed bull, which receives sympathy and is seen as a tragic victim, such a brave bull garners respect and admiration, even in its final moments. The microcosm of courage and valiance displayed in the arena often translates to the public's reverence for the animal's spirit.

Heading to the Slaughterhouse

For bulls that do not meet the strength and stamina required to perform, they are faced with a grim future. They are headed straight to the slaughterhouse, a fate that is neither preferred nor often questioned in the bullfighting community. The bull's final moments in the arena are a performance of both strength and pain, often leading to its ultimate end in a slaughterhouse.

Bulls and Their Fate in the Arena

It is important to recognize that in the arena, the bull is not facing a matador but is responding to a series of adversities and attacks. The bullfights are not a competition meant for the bull to win; rather, it is an ordeal for the beast to endure. The bull is affected by the picadors, insults from the matador, and other torturous elements that make it incapable of managing to continue the fight.

Depending on the bull's condition, it might be destined to face significant pain and suffering. The scenario is such that the bull may fight valiantly against the odds but an exhausted, injured bull will ultimately be defeated by the relentless aggression of the matador. This realization—that every bull ultimately heads to an untimely death—turns the narrative of courage and valor into a tragic fate.

Repercussions of losing the fight

Failing to meet the standards necessary for the bullfight arena means that, instead of leading a healthier and possibly breeding life, the bull will head to the slaughterhouse. It will not be allowed to breed cows to create a lineage of fighting bulls, nor will it be turned out to live a natural life of aging. It is an inevitable denouement that impacts not just the bull's fate but also the ethical implications of the bullfighting tradition itself.

In summary, the fate of a bull in a bullfight is a blend of determination, pain, and ultimate death. While some may find dignity in the vanquished bull's final act, it is a harsh reality that the bull will, in the end, be harvested for its meat. This reflects the complex interplay between tradition, culture, and ethics in the context of bullfighting.