CAS International
CAS International (Comité Anti Stierenvechten) is the biggest organization in the world which works exclusively on the abolition of bullfighting and cruel fiestas (festivals) during which bulls and other animals are tortured. Together with our colleague organizations, we want to end this animal abuse as soon as possible.
More information about CAS International.
Bullfighting
Bullfighting is one of the most cruel forms of animal abuse. Every year, more than 250,000 bulls and cows are tortured and killed worldwide during bullfights and similar events.
Also during fiestas ('village festivals'), tens of thousands of bulls and other animals are severely maltreated.
More information about bullfighting and fiestas.
Recortadores
The term recortadores refers to a type of bullfighting which only involves provoking bulls or cows in order to ‘dodge’ them when they charge, without the use of any cape or protection. They do not involve stabbing or killing them in any way.
Recortadores should not be confused with the French autochthonous bullfights called Courses Landaises, which although also involve the same type of ‘dodges’, they are performed with cows tied on a long rope, and they are more formal.
Actually the term recortadores refers to the bullfighters who perform this type of cortes (dodges) in bullrings, and tend to be professionals (although somehow considered more as skilled acrobats than 'heroes', like 'real' bullfighters are sometimes considered). They stand in the centre of the arena, call the bull, the bull charges them, and at the last moment they dodge him with a swift move or leap.
- Recortadores © Plaza de Toros de Castellon
The recortadores events are not improvised or amateurish (as capeas can be), but are 'spectacles' which people can see by paying an entrance fee.
Although cows or novillos (young bulls) are used, it is not uncommon to see adult bulls too. Sometimes, especially when the recortador avoids the bull with leaps, sticks (garrochas) or other simple tools are used to help him in his pirouettes.
Originally from Spain, this activity has created its own aficionados, clubs and even competitions. It is considered a better corte when the bullfighter stays put as long as possible after the bull starts charging, and leaves the bull's path (la salida) with the minimum movement.
CAS International is also against these spectacles, since despite the fact that the bull is not injured on purpose, in order for him to charge the bullfighter it is stressed and exhausted, and therefore does suffer. Furthermore, recortadores are organized in bullrings where 'deadly' bullfights also take place. With the profits of the recortadores, these bullfights are also financed.
Tips for tourists
CAS International has made a list of tips for tourists, so you can also help us abolish bullfighting and other cruel events with bulls and other animals as a tourist.
The main tip: never go to a bullfight or a cruel fiesta, like the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona!
Please take a look here for more tips.
Videos
Videos of bullfights, cruel fiestas and protests of CAS International and others.
- Flash is required!
Photo album
In the CAS photo album, you can find photos of protests, bullfighting and cruel fiestas.
CLICK HERE for the photo album.
