Protesters Demand Bull-Fighting Ban In Colombia

Bull running and fighting were opposed by protesters on Tuesday in the city of Colombia, Bogota, who demanded that the activities be banned.

Outside the nation's Congress in Bolivar Square, dozens of protesters congregated, including eight half-naked protesters covered in fake blood while wearing just shorts and bull masks.

"We're here to scream in a united voice that Colombia is in the process of building peace and that peace must also include animals," protester Derly Flores said.

Senator and activist Andrea Padilla joined the protesters and claimed that landlords were pushing for support of bullfighting, reports Reuters.

"We frequently see people with their entrails and eyes hanging out from bull running, victims of their own stupidity," Padilla said.

At least four people were killed and hundreds more were injured when a section of wooden stands collapsed during a bullfight in central Colombia on Sunday, Jun. 26, 2022.

800 people were reportedly in the portion of seating that collapsed, according to local government officials. According to the governor of Tolima, José Ricardo Orozco, among those killed were two ladies, a man, and a minor.

President Gustavo Petro called for the traditional "corralejas" to be banned saying it was not the first time something like this had happened.

"I ask mayors not to allow more events involving the death of people or animals," he said.

The disaster took place during a traditional event known as "corraleja" when members of the public enter the ring to engage the bulls.