Target: Eduardo Montealegre, Colombian Minister of Justice and Law
Goal: Stop bullfighting festivals that lead to tragic, fatal injuries to human participants and death for animals.
The recent incident at a bullfighting festival in Fundacion, Colombia, has brought to light the horrifying consequences of bullfighting events, where participants are put at severe risk. A video capturing the tragic moment reveals that Yovanis Marquez, 35, was fatally gored by a bull while attempting to taunt it during the traditional “corraleja” festival. The footage shows the bull charging him, brutally tossing him into the air and subsequently driving its horn into him again, leading to his untimely death. This shocking event is not an isolated incident but a stark reminder of the dangers associated with such spectacles.
The bullfighting festival known as “corraleja” allows public participation, creating an atmosphere where individuals like Mr. Marquez are drawn to engage with a large, powerful animal that is clearly in distress. Witnesses to the event expressed their horror, noting how Mr. Marquez appeared fine momentarily after the bull’s initial attack before succumbing to his injuries shortly thereafter. With the passage of time and increasing public awareness, it is crucial to recognize that these events not only pose risks to human life but also involve the exploitation of animals.
Demanding a ban on bullfighting festivals is essential to safeguard both animals and people. The Colombian Congress has recognized the need for change by passing a bill to ban bullfighting starting from 2027, but this does not go far enough. Immediate action should be taken to halt these events now and prevent any further tragic outcomes. The time to act is now.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Montealegre,
The recent tragedy at a bullfighting festival in Fundacion, where 35-year-old Yovanis Marquez was fatally gored by a bull, highlights the horrific reality of bullfighting events. The incident captured on video shows Mr. Marquez taunting the bull before being violently tossed into the air and gored, leading to his death shortly after. This shocking event serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers associated with bullfighting, which has no place in a society that values both human and animal welfare.
The public nature of corralejas, where individuals engage directly with bulls, creates a reckless environment that can lead to tragic outcomes, as illustrated by the events leading to Mr. Marquez’s death. Witnesses described watching him seemingly fine until he began bleeding uncontrollably, underscoring the perilous nature of these festivals. With other countries recognizing the animal cruelty and danger involved in such activities, it is time for Colombia to follow suit and protect its citizens and animals alike.
We urge you to take immediate action and push for a swift ban of bullfighting festivals in Colombia to prevent any further loss of life and suffering. The future of both our human communities and the animals involved in these events depends on a decisive legislative move away from these outdated and dangerous traditions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
