Costa Blanca local paper upsets animal rights fans

THE content and positioning of an article promoting bullfighting in a local English-language newspaper has angered Marina Alta residents.

The article, which was about a famous Spanish bullfighter appearing at Benidorm’s bullring was placed near to adverts for PEPA Animal Charity and Paes animal welfare’s conference.

Jacky Hazeleger of Tanamera S.P.A.I.N. dog rescue said: “I was dismayed to see an article that promoted the cruelty of bullfighting, and it was unfortunate that it was so close to adverts for animal charities.”

He added: “Also the fact they were offering reduced rates for children appals me. We should be teaching children to respect, love and protect animals, not to goad and bait them until they are too weak to defend themselves and then kill them.”

Alicia Gonzalez from Altea, who was taken to bullfights as a child, said the Spanish themselves were becoming ashamed of their tradition. “There has definitely  been a change in attitude towards bullfighting and bull-running. More and more Spaniards are opposed to the cruelty and are voting with their feet,” she remarked.

However, Ric Rolanski, an author and bullfighting aficionado, believes it is one of the most emblematic ‘rituals’ of Spain and for many an art form that should not be banned.