“We understand that it is, in fact, time for abolition”, stated Inês Sousa Real.
In a speech lasting around 30 minutes, in which she criticized the PSD Government for continuing to be indifferent to animal welfare, the PAN spokesperson understood that it is necessary to value animal life and dignity more than entertainment based on violence.
Saying that it is time to adapt legislation to reality and the 21st century, Inês Sousa Real stressed that the referendum on bullfighting is an opportunity to show that the country is “on the right side of history and progress”.
“In Portugal, we have a large majority of Portuguese people who support the abolition of bullfighting, so it makes no sense for the political powers to continue to ignore this large majority”, she stressed.
Inês Sousa Real said that it is necessary to take “a civilisational step”, because bullrings cannot continue to be places where animals suffer.
The PAN spokesperson also added that the “violence of bullfighting” does not only affect bulls and horses, but also people.
In this regard, the PAN spokesperson recalled the cases of people who were seriously injured or died as a result of bullfighting.
“We cannot be a society that applauds violence”, she stressed.
Best news I've heard in a while.
By Armand from USA on 16 Sep 2024, 16:31
Yes. And hunting with dogs. They are both cases of barbaric bloodlust!!!
By Chuck from Beiras on 16 Sep 2024, 20:23
The trouble is with Portuguese paperwork it could take for ever to pass that law! They also need to make sure there are no more dogs left day and night on chains as guard dogs, millions of feral cats, where people have them but don't take care and they just keep reproducing, there's thousands abandoned, a big nutering programme should be undertaken. I won't even mention the stray and abandoned dogs situation, there's so much that could be done to reinforce the laws in Portugal but the paperwork needs the biggest reform.
By fiona spreadborough from UK on 17 Sep 2024, 10:21
About time too. The so-called 'sport' of 'garraiada' which involves tormenting a bull and running away from it when it charges, should also be banned. The bull is usually baking hot in the summer sun, thirsty and tired. The young men involved in this are regularly injured, becoming a unnecessary burden on the ambulance and health service, not to mention torn clothing.
How anyone could consider this as 'entertainment' is beyond me. Even more galling is this activity is quite popular at summer festivals and local councils are using taxpayers' funds to sponsor this!
Portugal must show it's a modern and civilised country, not one trapped back in a barbarous past.
By Billy Bissett from Porto on 17 Sep 2024, 11:32
Agree that these awful blood sports must be stopped. As humans we need to rise above these types of barbaric behaviour. Man’s inhumanity to man is only outdone by his inhumanity to animals!
By L from Lisbon on 17 Sep 2024, 14:21
Ban bullfighting now!
By Paolo from Algarve on 24 Sep 2024, 13:49