Some people call it a "sport." But as
PETA UK notes, "For the bull, bullfighting is no 'competition.' It is simply slaughter for human entertainment." According to
Humane Society International (HSI), approximately 250,000 bulls are killed in bullfights every year.
Now, Ecuador may make an evolutionary leap in compassion on May 7, when Ecuadorians will be called to vote on a 10-point referendum that includes whether or not to outlaw bullfighting.
But President Rafael Correa -- who is a looking for an across the board "Yes" vote -- is facing some opposition to the ban from the bullfighting industry and die-hard fans, who believe that the bloodsport is part of their national heritage.
"Bullfighting is part of who we are in Ecuador and a part of how we look at life," said Juan Patricio Espinosa, of Citotusa, an Ecuadorean events management company, according to the
Miami Herald.
"People don't go to bullfights to watch an animal die, it has a deeper significance. A rose is beautiful because man has decided it's beautiful. In the same way, the bull's death has a greater meaning."
If brutally slaughtering a bull for entertainment is how Mr. Espinosa "looks at life," his viewpoint is patently evil. It is illogical, unevolved and immoral thinking like his that keeps mankind in the dark ages. Humans who want a civilized society cannot ignore animal cruelty and must stand up against such atrocities as bullfighting -- and to people like him.
"It sickens me to know that in this day and age, people are still paying money to see an animal suffering in such a horrific way," said actor
Ricky Gervais in an anti-bullfighting film he made for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).
Gandhi famously said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." On May 7, the people of Ecuador have an opportunity to make great moral progress. President Correa's effort should be applauded. His fellow countrymen should follow his lead.
http://www.13point7billion.org/2011/04/ecuador-considers-bullfighting-ban.html
We, the undersigned, support your effort to ban bullfighting in Ecuador.
If the May 7 referendum fails to outlaw bullfighting, we urge you to find other legal means to end this cruel bloodsport once and for all throughout Ecuador.
Humans who want a civilized society cannot ignore animal cruelty and must stand up against such atrocities as bullfighting.
Gandhi famously said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." The people of Ecuador have an opportunity to make great moral progress if bullfighting is made illegal.
We support all efforts to end bullfighting once and for all in Ecuador and if it is outlawed, would be more interested in traveling to Ecuador and supporting Ecuadorean business.
