The small town of Falces in Navarra has once again been the stage for a controversial tradition that sparks outrage among animal rights advocates. AnimaNaturalis and CAS International have released their latest report, exposing the cruelty inflicted on the calves and the alarming involvement of young people and teenagers in these events. Additionally, new scientific evidence strengthens the argument that these spectacles cause both physical and psychological suffering to the animals.
The footage captured by the AnimaNaturalis and CAS International teams is a powerful testimony to the suffering endured by the calves during these runs. The videos and photos clearly show these young animals, some as young as a year and a half, being harassed and stressed in an environment that is entirely hostile and unnatural for them.
The images reveal several calves with visible wounds on their snouts and horns, bleeding profusely, and with fractured horns due to the blows and falls they suffer during the run. This report highlights the high levels of stress and pain these animals endure in the name of tradition and entertainment. And this is not an isolated case: thousands of similar events take place across Spain every year.
"The images are heartbreaking and leave no doubt about the brutality of these events. This level of suffering cannot be justified under the pretext of preserving a tradition", says Aïda Gascón, director of AnimaNaturalis in Spain.
Promoting animal abuse among the youth
Another alarming aspect highlighted in the report is the active participation of numerous young people and teenagers in the run. While regulations clearly prohibit the participation of minors, organizers argue that there is no age limit for attending these events as spectators. The footage shows how difficult it is to draw the line between participating and merely being a spectator, as young people directly interact with the calves, inciting them and, in some cases, physically assaulting them. "The line between being a spectator and a participant blurs dangerously, normalizing violent behavior and desensitizing young people to animal suffering", says Gascón.
"It is extremely concerning to see very young people involved in acts of violence against animals. This not only affects the welfare of the calves but also negatively influences the ethical and emotional development of the new generations", Gascón emphasizes. "We are raising generations that view cruelty as acceptable and even entertaining".
Animal suffering for pure entertainment
While some may think that calf runs are less cruel because they don't involve direct injury with banderillas or swords, the reality is much darker. According to recent scientific studies, the bodies of all vertebrate animals, including bovines, are equipped with a neuroendocrine system that allows them to fully experience both pleasure and pain. Although signs of pain in calves can be difficult to detect due to their prey nature, scientific protocols have demonstrated that these animals suffer a severe decline in their well-being in situations like these runs.
During these events, calves are subjected to extreme physical and psychological stress. These bovines, naturally gregarious animals, feel safe only in groups. When isolated in a strange, noisy environment filled with aversive stimuli, as occurs during these festivals, they experience intense and prolonged fear. This stress, combined with the physical fatigue caused by extreme exercise to which they are unaccustomed, causes serious physiological alterations.
The effects of physical suffering are also evident. Calves, which have muscle fibers with lower oxidative capacity, are forced to exert themselves to the point of exhaustion, resulting in severe internal injuries and a high risk of metabolic acidosis. This condition, which lowers the pH of the blood and tissues below healthy levels, is a clear sign of suffering in bovines. These animals show signs of exhaustion, difficulty breathing, and injuries to their locomotor systems, such as stumbling and falling, further proving that these runs are anything but harmless.
Responsibility against animal abuse
The evidence presented by AnimaNaturalis and CAS International demands urgent action from local and national authorities. It is imperative to review and strengthen existing laws to ensure the effective protection of animals and to prevent the participation of minors in events that promote violence.
"We call on the authorities to take concrete and decisive action against these practices. We need policies that protect animals and educate our young people in values of respect and empathy for all forms of life", Gascón declares. "Society must evolve and leave behind traditions rooted in suffering and violence".
AnimaNaturalis also urges citizens to reflect on the continuation of these traditions and to consider cultural and festive alternatives that do not involve animal abuse. The organization will continue working and documenting these situations to raise awareness and promote significant changes in society.
