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Home / Five complaints filed against bull festivals in L’Aldea, Spain

Five complaints filed against bull festivals in L’Aldea, Spain

31-07-2025

CAS International and AnimaNaturalis have filed five official complaints against the organization of bull festivals in the municipality of L’Aldea (Catalonia). The correbous (Catalan street festivals involving cattle) took place near the Ermita de l’Aldea in June 2024 and June 2025. During these events, we documented multiple violations of Catalan regulations.

Five complaints filed against bull festivals in L’Aldea, Spain

Five complaints filed against bull festivals in L’Aldea, Spain | Picture: CAS International/AnimaNaturalis

These include the participation of minors in the correbous and the absence of the legally required supervisory committee.

Minor involved in bull festival

On June 7, 2025, a boy just fourteen years old was within four meters of a bull, under adult supervision. According to Catalan Law 34/2010, this is explicitly prohibited: minors may only attend correbous as spectators. Participation or close proximity to the animal constitutes a serious violation of the law.

During several editions of the event, the mandatory comissió taurina (official supervisory committee) was entirely absent. This committee, consisting of five members, must be visibly present at every bull festival and recognizable by an armband. It is responsible for ensuring safety and legal compliance. The absence of this committee also represents a serious breach of current regulations.

Five complaints in L’Aldea

If the five complaints are upheld, the municipality of L’Aldea could face a fine ranging from €3,606 to €360,000. Additionally, it may be prohibited from organizing bull festivals for up to two years.

The complaints were made possible thanks to reports from concerned residents of the Terres de l’Ebre region. Their support and vigilance are extremely valuable, especially considering that more than 450 bull festivals are held annually in Catalonia. Many of these events take place under the radar, making oversight and enforcement difficult.

 

The Correbous

During correbous, (young) bulls are led through the streets, often with ropes tied to their horns. In some cases, flaming balls are attached to their horns or they are chased by crowds of people. These events cause significant stress, fear, and injury to the animals.

Campaign: Blood Fiestas

For years, CAS and AnimaNaturalis have been working to end the use of bulls and cows in Spanish festivals. We document these events and file complaints when we witness abuse. We also conduct research. For example, we discovered that in 2019 alone, more than 42 million euros of public funds were spent on 17,708 of these bull festivals. What many people don’t realize is that these festivals are largely funded with public money. We will continue to raise awareness of the animal suffering caused by these cruel events. Sign our petition!

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