Read to understand

“Taurine surgery in the 21st century: From glory to contempt” (Antonio Ríos).¹ In our media-influenced culture, this title might be understood as justification for bullfighting traditions and festivities, along the same journalistic bias as: “Bullfighting is prohibited in the Canary Islands, while cockfights are allowed”.² However, if one reads the entire article, it neither defends the former nor prohibits the latter.

Let’s begin with the latter. Spanish Law 8/1991 (30th April) regarding the protection of animals refers to its application in the context of ‘domestic’ animals. Paragraph 4, in reference to cockfights, says: “this Law promotes their natural disappearance, through regulatory mechanisms that prevent their expansion, prohibiting the promotion of these events by the Public Administrations, not authorizing new facilities, and, especially, not favoring the transmission of the interest in these events to the younger generations by requiring that they take place in closed premises and prohibiting access to minors under the age of sixteen.”³ Thus, such events, although permitted, are not encouraged; on the contrary, their spontaneous disappearance is sought. Article V states: “(1) The use of animals in fights, festivals, shows and other activities that involve mistreatment, cruelty or suffering is prohibited; (2) Cockfights may be held in those locations where they have traditionally been held, provided they meet the requirements established by regulation which, in all cases, include the following: (a) Prohibition of entry to minors under the age of sixteen; (b) Cockpits and facilities where fights are held are at least one year old at the date of this Law, except those that are built to replace them; (c) Public administrations will refrain from promoting the activities referred to in the preceding paragraphs.”³ To confirm, at no time does this piece of legislation refer to bullfights or bull-related festivals.

And now back to the former. If the article in question¹ makes a statement of support, it is in reference to deontological ethics and the professional need for surgical training in order to provide adequate surgical care for people who may suffer trauma injuries during such events (17 698 [92.09%] bull-related festivals vs 369 [1.92%] professional bullfights). With these patient numbers and consequent healthcare and treatment requirements, support for proper patient care should prevail over the sympathies or antipathies that bullfighting and related events may generate.

Thank you, Professor Rios.