Survival and Practices in Bullfighting: A Comprehensive Overview
Understanding the current state of bullfighting practice and the survival rate of bulls is a complex and multifaceted topic. In this article, we explore various types of bull-related events around the world and the treatment of bulls in these contexts, focusing on traditional Spanish bullfighting and its ethical implications.
The Evolution of Bullfighting Practices
Bullfighting has a rich and varied history across many cultures, with traditions varying from region to region. However, the most well-known and widespread form of bullfighting is the traditional Spanish bullfight, known as la corrida de toros. This article delves into the specifics of these events and their impact on the bulls involved.
The Fatal Conclusion
In traditional bullfighting, the outcome for the bulls is generally fatal. Most bulls that are used in these events are killed at the end of the fight, typically after being weakened by the actions of the matadors. Despite the occasional instances where bulls survive, whether due to a particularly poor fight or their exceptional bravery and skill, the survival rate is very low.
Bullfighting Types Around the World
There are several types of bull- or bullfighting-related events across the globe, some of which have distinct practices and outcomes for the bulls involved. We will explore three of the most prominent types:
La Caentilde;a: The Fun of the Villagers
One form of bull-related event is la caentilde;a, also known as The Fun of the Villagers. This event is typically held in a village where a bull is released into an enclosed square, and villagers run around trying to avoid the bull, sometimes even hiding behind metal bars. Occasionally, some villagers may use a muleta and attempt to play the role of a matador. This event often leads to significant injuries and, in rare cases, fatalities. However, the bull is never harmed, and the oxen used are also unharmed.
El Encierro: The Running of the Bulls
The encierro, or The Running of the Bulls, is another form of the event that can occur independently of the traditional bullfight or within a smaller community without a bullring. Six bulls are herded into a wooden pen and released into a fenced path. Runners attempt to outrun the approaching bulls, and the event usually ends in another pen or a bullfighting arena. As the name suggests, nothing happens to the bulls and the oxen involved.
La Corrida de Toros: The Traditional Spanish Bullfight
The corrida de toros, or The Traditional Spanish Bullfight, takes place later the same day as the encierro, if one occurs. The six bulls from the encierro are sent individually into the bullring, where they are fought and mostly slaughtered. The mortality rate is about 95 to 98 percent, but the bravest bulls may receive an "indulto," a form of pardon. These bulls are taken to the farm where their wounds are treated and they are used as seed bulls, ensuring they live to the age of 20-25 years, dying of natural causes.
The Controversial Nature of Performance Art
Las corridas de toros are officially recognized as a form of performance art rather than a sport. The bullring's financial existence is closely linked to the meat industry, and the bulls are intended to be slaughtered for meat. This meat is of high quality but very expensive due to the difficulty in breeding toros de lidia compared to traditional milk cows and meat bulls. The worst-quality meat from the bulls is often donated to the poor or charities.
Additional Bullfighting Forms
In addition to the traditional forms of bullfighting, there is RECORTéS, a less well-known but equally spectacular event. This involves skilled non-professional and semi-professional bull-dodgers and bull-leapers who perform acrobatic jumps over bulls, showcasing breathtaking skill and agility. As with the other events, nothing happens to the bulls in this spectacle.
Conclusion
Bullfighting practices and the survival rates of bulls are complex issues with deep ethical implications. While traditional Spanish bullfighting and similar events often result in the death of the bulls, there are variations and forms of bull-related events where the bulls are not harmed. Understanding these practices is crucial for anyone interested in the cultural and ethical aspects of bullfighting.