Several dozen people silently demonstrated their opposition to bullfighting in front of the arenas of Béziers. The sub-prefecture of Hérault celebrated the end of the fortieth bullfighting days on Sunday, with two shows including a bullfight. Pro and anti-bullfighting faced each other calmly, despite the palpable tension, separated by a CRS cord.
At the call of the Colbac association (biterrois liaison committee for the abolition of bullfighting), the demonstrators brandished banners hostile to this practice considered by some as a tradition and by others as a barbaric custom. “Morally, can we continue to tolerate a show that inflicts suffering on animals to entertain humans? asks Sophie Maffre-Baugé, president of Colbac.
Tradition vs animal welfare
The pro-bullfights ask for their part to continue to enjoy their passion. “I don’t want anyone from Paris to guide me in what I should like and not like,” said Robert Ménard (DVD), the mayor of Béziers, who came to defend bullfighting enthusiasts.
The deputy for the 18th constituency of Paris, Aymeric Caron (Ecological Revolution for the Living), has tabled a bill aimed at banning bullfighting in France. It must be presented on November 24 to the National Assembly.