Act Now to Stop Bulls Being Tormented and Chased Into the Sea

At Bous a la Mar festivals, bulls are forced into the sea and dragged out with ropes by frenzied participants. One of the most well-known festivals takes place every July in Dénia on the Costa Blanca – so we’re petitioning the mayor to end this abuse.

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Bulls Are Tormented for ‘Fun’

Bous a la Mar translates to “Bulls to the Sea”.

Each summer, in Dénia, bulls are chased through the streets by a violent mob. Once they arrive at an arena, they are baited into the sea. They struggle frantically to escape as men surround them, seizing their horns and fastening ropes around their heads to drag them back to shore.

Bulls Drown in Dénia

Most recently, a bull drowned in 2023. The bulls who survive the ordeal are subjected to the same abuse in subsequent events, enduring repeated distress until they are ultimately slaughtered.

Bulls Are Sentient Beings

Just like humans, bulls are sentient beings who want to live. Bulls are naturally social and friendly animals. They are playful, curious, and even enjoy playing with balls – just like our dog companions. They are terrified of drowning. Bous a la Mar is deeply stressful and traumatic for them.

Humans Injured

Bous a la Mar festivals aren’t just harming bulls – they’re dangerous for humans as well. In 2022, a dozen spectators were injured at the Dénia festival. In July, when the festival takes place, temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius. Combined with the consumption of alcohol and the presence of children, this is a recipe for disaster.

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Take Action Now

Despite this horrific cruelty and dangers of the event, and that eight out of 10 Spaniards want a ban on events where bulls are used for so-called entertainment, the Mayor of Dénia is so far refusing to put an end to the Bous a la Mar spectacles. Please sign our petition today urging Dénia to put an end to this cruelty. You can also send emails to officials in other areas in Valencia urging them to end their Bous a la Mar festivals.

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End the Bous a la Mar Festival!

UN MIS Petition Description Text - *Important Note* You must UNLINK this shared library component before making page-specific customizations.

Dear Mayor Grimalt,

We are writing to request that Dénia immediately takes steps to cancel the cruel Bous a la Mar festival.

No animal should be subjected to the trauma of being chased and tormented by a frenzied crowd. Driving bulls and cows into the sea and hauling them back with ropes is an act of cruelty that must end. Bulls have died at the events, and those who survive will spend much of their lives with severe trauma before eventually being slaughtered.

These events pose a significant danger to humans. You may remember that, in 2022, a dozen people were injured at the Dénia event.

Across Spain, public sentiment is turning against exploiting bulls for ‘entertainment’. A vast majority – eight in ten Spaniards – oppose the use of animals in bullfighting and similar spectacles. People around the world are increasingly turning their backs on bullfighting. In the UK, 89% of people say they wouldn’t attend a bullfight, and 76% say that it’s wrong for the tourist industry to promote it.

As the mayor, we urge you to replace this spectacle with humane traditions that celebrate culture without inflicting suffering on animals.

Sincerely,

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