A MAN has been gored to death during a bull-running festival in Spain as animal campaigners are calling again for the sport to be banned.
His death, described by the local council as “an unfortunate accident”, is the second to hit the El Casar region in just weeks.
The victim had been taking part in a traditional bull run on Saturday in Guadalajara, Castille-La Mancha, central Spain.
He was gored in a bullring at the countryside festival and sustained injures to his lung.
The unnamed man later died from his severe injuries on Monday at La Paz University Hospital in Madrid.
He was initially rushed to an intensive unit at the University Hospital of Guadalajara but was later transferred to the capital.
Following his death the local El Casar council declared three days of official mourning.
Mayor José Luis González Lamola said: “We deeply regret the unfortunate accident that occurred during the bullfighting festivities… as a sign of mourning we have decided to lower the flags that fly outside municipal buildings to half-mast”.
He also said officials would be cancelling “all official public events organised by the El Casar council for the duration of the official mourning”.
Another man, 51, died at the end of August in a bull run event held in nearby Mesones when he slipped on a fence while trying to escape from the bulls.
Following this latest tragedy the Animal Defence Association of El Casar hit out against the events.
“Beyond the legal issues, these incidents generate expenses and consequences that affect all citizens, even those who oppose these events,” said a spokesman.
“The pain for this new victim is deep and part of our fight consists of preventing tragedies like this from continuing to occur.”
And the association added: “Is this the best way to invest our resources and enjoy our leisure time?
“This kind of event not only puts people and animals at risk but also exposes children to traumatic situations that can shape their perception of the world.
“The well-being of people and respect for animals must be priorities in modern society and it is our responsibility to rethink whether these events reflect the values we want to promote.”
The campaigners are pressing for “safer, more educational entertainment that encourages the healthy enjoyment of free time, without risk to the physical or moral integrity of our community.”
