What are becerradas?
The becerradas are bullfighting shows where anyone can outsmart, torture and kill a calf not older than 2 years old . This type of cruel festival is celebrated every year as part of popular festivities in towns throughout Spain, such as Valdeolmos-Alalpardo, Leganés, Robledo de Chavela, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Cercedilla, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Zarzalejo, San Martín de la Vega, Villamanta, Collado Villalba, Chinchón, Pinto, El Escorial and Cenicientos.
We expose the ordeal of the Toro Jubilo in Medinaceli amidst health crisis, protests, and ongoing legal battles
16 noviembre 2025
Despite health restrictions, a massive security operation, and an ongoing legal battle, the cruel tradition of the Toro Jubilo in Medinaceli prevailed once again over the animal's welfare. Its ordeal was documented by our investigation team.
Sokamuturra: dragged by tradition, driven by fear
16 octubre 2025
The sokamuturra, popularly known as the “bull on a rope” or “cow on a rope,” returns every year to the squares and streets of numerous towns in the Basque Country. What many regard as tradition, others —and scientific evidence and animal welfare organizations that have documented its effects— recognize as a practice that causes physical and psychological stress, risk of injury, and, at times, acts of real cruelty repeated without effective sanction.
More than 2,500 bulls are turned into living torches in Spanish traditions every year
13 agosto 2025
While bullfighting is commonly associated with cape-and-sword corridas in arenas, the "toro embolado" (fire bull) is part of a wide spectrum of popular bull festivals where the animal isn't killed. Here we explain what they are and what we must do to end them.
AnimaNaturalis reports 'sokamuturra' event after heifer falls into the sea
07 agosto 2025
We have filed a complaint with the Basque Government over serious irregularities during a bull festival held on July 31st, which continued after a heifer fell into the water in an unprotected area.
Dénia once again the epicenter of animal cruelty with their 'Bous a la Mar'
14 julio 2025
On July 8th and 9th, investigators from AnimaNaturalis and CAS International documented one of the cruelest aspects of Dénia's local festivals: the 'bous a la mar' (bulls to the sea). This spectacle involves chasing young bulls and cows to force them off a purpose-built platform into the harbor waters. What is billed as tradition or entertainment becomes a hellscape for the animals – marked by sheer terror, physical blows, relentless heat, and utter exhaustion.
We expose the abuse of heifers in Sant Jaume d'Enveja
08 julio 2025
We visited Sant Jaume d'Enveja (Tarragona), one of the Catalan municipalities that organizes the most festivals, to expose the harassment and mockery that animals are subjected to in these popular celebrations.
Let's put an end to cruelty towards calves!
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2025, AnimaNaturalis Internacional, organización iberoamericana para la defensa de los derechos de todos los animales. 