A man was filmed at a festival in Catalonia slapping a bull on the rear before being kicked in the head. The bull’s reaction knocked him unconscious on the spot.
The clip of the ‘bull slap’ has been all over online. You see him smack the animal and then, almost before you can blink, the bull swings around and kicks him.
Bull running is one of those long-time Spanish traditions where locals chase bulls through the streets. They banned bullfighting in Catalonia back in 2011, but people still turn out for running events. It is a big part of the local community.
Local news said the man was treated on the spot by medics in Terres de l’Ebre, and then he was taken to a hospital. He ended up with a concussion from the kick, which is probably not surprising after seeing that video.
Spanish broadcaster ABC had text in the clip that said: “During the La Cava festival in Tarragona, a bull kicked a participant in the head, causing great commotion among those present. The incident occurred last night in this district of Deltebre, which is celebrating its festivities in honour of Sant Roc, organised by the La Cava Sports Club.”
The description talked about a mass for the patron saint, meals, dancing, parades, kids’ games, and bullfighting activities that are a part of the history in the area.
Some people watching called it animal cruelty. One person wrote: “This is so sad – poor animal. Heartbreaking.” Another added: “I know. This looks like animal cruelty.”
Animal rights groups have been saying for years that these events are dangerous for everyone involved. There’s more and more push to shut them down completely.
