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| Bloodless coup |
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| Written by Jennifer Wadsworth / Tracy Press / | |
| Saturday, 17 May 2008 | |
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Animal-rights volunteers critical of "bloodless bullfights" at Tracy’s annual Portuguese festa had a hand in having this year’s bullfights canceled. But the economy had just as much to do with the tradition's tumble, organizers said.
At last year’s festa, the area’s largest Catholic celebration, police and animal-rights observers saw blood trickling from a bull’s eye and from its shoulder blades in the dirt arena during a bullfight billed as bloodless. From underneath a patch of supposedly protective Velcro, blood steadily streamed down the animal’s shoulder, staining its tan hide. One other bull bled from an identical injury on its back. State law forbids animals to be bled for entertainment, and last year, on a tip from an anonymous informant, Tracy police and local animal-rights volunteers showed up unsolicited to the bullfights to see for themselves whether the standard was being met. It wasn’t. The bulls’ owner, Joe Martin, was charged with animal cruelty and ordered to stop using sharpened spears to aggravate the animals. Prods used in the fights are allowed only if they’re blunted. Those used on at least two of Martin’s bulls had metal barbs. This year’s mid-June bullfights won’t happen, but not because of last year’s illegal mistreatment of the bulls, said Dena Silveira, the lead organizer for this year’s event. The bullfights are just too pricey for Irmandade Portuguesa da Festa do Espirito Santo, the Catholic nonprofit that sponsors the annual celebration. Silveira denied that allegations of animal cruelty had any bearing on her decision to exclude bullfighting this year. "We just can’t afford it because of financial difficulties," she said. "It’s the economy." Between flying in matadors from Spain, France or Mexico and buying $2,000 bulls for the fight, the bullfighting costs about $25,000 to put on, Silveira said. Tickets and concessions only collect about $3,000. And so few people have rented out the Portuguese Hall ballroom this year that Silveira said she has about half the usual amount of money to work with for the nonprofit’s biggest event, one that normally packs the arena. Her husband and fellow organizer Manuel Silveira, though, quickly cited animal-rights "issues" as one of a few reasons the bullfights won’t happen this year. The other reasons are financial, he agreed. The fights are a longstanding tradition for many Central Valley residents of Portuguese descent, but they’re only one part of the Holy Spirit Celebration — held annually in Tracy since 1926 — which includes parades, dances and other festivities, Dena Silveira said. And, sometimes, whether because of financial struggles similar to this year’s or the opinion of the person in charge, the fights get dropped from the program. Two or three times since the bullfights were added to the local celebration in the 1980s, organizers have decided to forgo the contest.
When the team of Tracy animal control officers and members of the Delta Humane Society stopped by the daylong fights last year to see for themselves how the bulls get handled, Silveira and some other organizers couldn’t understand why they were there. "I was nervous at first when I saw them there," admitted Silveira, who grew up watching local bullfights and views them as an important part of her heritage. "I didn’t think anything was wrong." Animal control officer Ben Miller was one of the onlookers during the June 15 fight, in which officials and animal-rights advocates witnessed the bloodied animals. "We just went to make sure that the bulls were treated safely," he said Friday. "And we did see some blood." Local authorities heard that bloodless bullfights in other cities have failed to live up to their eponymous standard — that matadors at a bullfight in Thornton actually pierced the animals’ flesh, Miller said. "What we were told and what we’d seen in articles in various papers was that (the bullfights) weren’t always run in accordance with the law, and that it’s not completely bloodless," he said. Miller, fellow animal control officer Beth Palacios and a handful of other officials and activists found that to be true in Tracy, too. Though the wounds were "superficial," they’re still illegal, Miller added. "We didn’t like what we saw," he said. So police ordered the trainers to stop using the barbed prods that apparently punctured the bulls’ skin, Deputy Chief Rick Golphin said. "We didn’t order them to cancel the event," he said. "We just laid out some restrictions." Animal-rights groups, including Stockton’s Delta Humane Society, rejoiced when they learned the organization will skip the fights this year. "We’re happy to hear that it’s canceled," said Kristie Phelps, who researches animal cruelty in entertainment for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and criticizes the traditional fights as ritualized violence. "Because, even if these fights are bloodless, the bulls’ tails are twisted and yanked, their horns are grabbed; they’re seriously provoked to anger them so the matador looks like a hero." While they might not be killed in the ring, she added, they are often sent to the rodeo or the slaughterhouse after the fights. And just before being released into the ring, the bulls are kept in pitch-black darkness, so when they step out in the ring, they’re disoriented, she said. Plus, their horns get shaved down, which throws off their sense of balance. "They’re treated as disposable," she said. "I think it’s incredible that this is still allowed under the auspices of a religious festival." Bloodletting bullfights were banned in California in 1957. The "bloodless" variety was allowed to continue under the aegis of religious celebration. Trackback(0)
Comments
(49)
 written by ASHAMED , May 17, 2008
No one thinks of bulls and cows and such as animals. They are living breathing creatures who do feel pain like you and I. Tradition or not, I feel like we should be ashamed of ourselves that in todays day and age we still use animals for our entertainment. These are poor helpless animals who do not have a voice, and therefore, have no choice. Would we all have cheered if the "matador" got injured and was bleeding the way these animals do. Probably not. We would be horrified that someone got hurt. Why do we not feel this way about these animals?
 written by chick , May 17, 2008
I have never been to this festival but it sounds dangerous for everyone involved even the animals
 written by EJ , May 17, 2008
I am outraged; we stab these poor defenseless animals to agitate them so that some manchild can appear macho and brave? What a disgrace! It doesn't matter if it was/is tradition. Things change--slavery was once tradition. This and all other animal cruelty must stop. I will now become more active and support PETA and any other groups who are trying to stop terrorizing and exploitation of animals.
 written by k.l .vosburg , May 17, 2008
It's a dangerously beautiful sport. Unfortunately it is not palatable
for those which don't understand a cultural tradition passed down from Spain and Portugal. One which has been considerably toned, at least in the U.S.. (Is HAPPY an oxymoron for SLAP-HAPPY?) Personally, in the last twenty years I have attended the Portugese version of "the bloodless bullfights," and have complete admiration for the participants and their magnificent animals. Would you attend an American boxing match to see two men beat each other until one capitulates? The unfortuate injuries are a result of these dynamics and one can only compare it to something out of the American Rodeo. Same difference? If you penalize one group - to be fair - you must consider them all...? What about Wrestling? Oh, wait I forgot, that's rehersed and pre-planned therefore fake, right?  written by MV , May 17, 2008
Any sport where one animal has an unfair advantage over the other, is unethical. Man vs. bull sounds pretty unfair to me. I don't think the bull aspires to be an "athlete" in the "sport" of bullfighting.
 written by KSilva , May 17, 2008
Boxing matches or any other human to human fight's, is by their own choices. An animal being used by a humans choice is not a fair fight and if a human gets hurt why is it the animals fault?. it's like getting behind the wheel of a car and run it into a tree, you made the choice. This animal is only doing what it knows to do and that's defending itself. Tradition or not it's not a fair fight, after years have gone by I think like everything else, it can be changed. We no longer kill sick or weak newborns, or sacrafice virgins for religious beliefs anymore. So why not change other senseless killings.
written by k.l .vosburg , May 17, 2008
MV, I liked your response. And for the most part you are right.
However, did horses become a method of "transportation" and help man cover long distances because, "of an unfair advantage?" Did ox, mules, horses, become an industrialized method for harvesting food because somehow they were coheresed and forced against heir will? You mean that part is o.k.? Even when they are routinely killed for food? (Please tell me, at this point your a Vegan, from an Omish plantation in Penn.) Moreover MV -don't misunderstand me so fast: I detset any mistreatment of animals, specifically by our so-called "elitist pop-culture" groups. #Note there are some people unworthy of understanding the definition of any real term of "abuse." Therefore I respect what some of what P.E.T.A. (an essential necessity - like insurance))has tried to accomplish. What I have to say next may sound harsh and is not intended so; If you feel there's an unfair advatangae step into a stall with a real bull - prefeably one that you see on the Bull Riding Channel' - not the smaller version in use at local township events, then realize from the pasture to the padduck to the stall who is really at a disadvantage? MV -do you have any respectable insurance? written by k.l .vosburg , May 17, 2008
KS agreed; However I don't see bullfighting as "any-sort-of-representaion-of-a-religious event."
And truth be known we still have legalized abortion and euthanasiae, that's not my point. It's an essential ancesteral cultural heritage like the traditions out of The American West, which I dare say you and I would most likely not be here today without them. I am not a supporter of pointless animal abuse, moreover an animal like the car is only being driven for what it was meant to do. These striations and mixed metaphors should not be held in the same reverence as the pointless violence conviently supplied through modern technology. written by k.l .vosburg , May 17, 2008
I could make the same argument, as well.
If the bull kills you, because it's only doing what's natural... is that the bulls' fault? If you drive a car into a tree, and die, is that the responsibility of the cars'? Does that somehow create less people from driving cars? Or those poulace demographics for some which consider distastefull events? written by k.l .vosburg , May 17, 2008
Anyway, I appologize for the boxing analogy,
since it was widely considered most boxers (humans) new ahead of time what they intially signed-on for. What, of course, the public didn't come to undserstand is that some boxers were at best illiterate (hope I spelled thst correctly) and would later claim; they we're manipulated by promoters, managers, the IRS, the Mafia, the phone co., their ex-wives, etc.) and forced to persue their only profession -inorder to pay back these retrobates. I have no idea what bulls really think! my advise, just don't piss-em off. Thanks, for play-in along...  written by OlSkooler , May 18, 2008
To all who do not understand what the festa is all about, and those who dont not understand the livestock industry. These bulls are very, very expensive animals who's owners prize and treat them with great respect. If an animal is injured during an event such as that, a vet is called and the animal is treated. The animal is not killed during the event, and it's remains are not eaten after. This event is a celebration of Portuguese culture. I am sure there is a long line of persons local that think horseracing is more dangerous, but you dont see anyone protesting at the track. I think you should mind your own business and leave the festa to the Portuguese...If you dont enjoy it, you have the right to stay away, and not to go! If you dont like the way the animals are treated, you are not paying the vet bill, are you?........
 written by K3TSM , May 18, 2008
I think you should mind your own business and leave the festa to the Portuguese...If you dont like the way the animals are treated, you are not paying the vet bill, are you?........
That's about the stupidest logic I've ever heard. If you see someone committing a crime should you just mind your own business and leave it to the criminals? We have photographic evidence of bloodied bulls, which is illegal in CA, so should everyone just turn away and ignore it? You're just upset because someone is infringing on your so called tradition. I see no value in this sort of entertainment, religious tradition or not.  written by amy , May 18, 2008
OlSkooler:
Right. Just recently they had to put racing horse down because she broke both ankles close to finishing line. Lot of injuries on horses running the "Steeple Chase" arduous sports on the horses' joints.... for the money. The fox hunts, and so on. Not just bulls are treated roughly, many animals are. Some pet owners or their kids for one. I just don't care for rough treatment of any animals, so I do not support it by not attending. I don't like slaughter house, either, but I eat meat.  written by OlSkooler , May 18, 2008
KT3SM and Amy-It may be stupid logic to you but there is a document that you all hide behind so I will too. It's called the Constitution. Nobody is putting a gun to your head and making you go to these events. If you don't want to watch, you may choose not to and not attend. Why don't you start protesting the violence in town and protest the gangs who participate in the violence that is identified as criminal activity. Intent is the word you need to learn-INTENT! And who is "WE" "we have photographic evidence" does not show intent. That is your opinion, and you opinion is like A*& H^#%$ everybody has got one. Why dont you identify yourself to the people of Tracy, not by name but by organization? Have some guts, be bold, and quit whining. Better yet why don't you move to Disneyland where you can live in a place where your fantasy might work.
written by OlSkooler , May 18, 2008
And YA ignore it because it's still none of your business....
written by amy , May 18, 2008
My point, is if anyone is not interested in this culture or not caring to watch the treatment, don't attend, like I do.
For those who enjoy watching it since it is THEIR culture, their people should fight for more humane treatment, their choice? Those who did attend who want to participate in the more humane treatment of animals or to ban it, can take active role in it? (It would also be like banning Fox hunting, horse racing, and such) I don't care for those either, so I don't need or feel compelled to attend these events. I am just saying, all three are in danger, the bull, the rider and the horse. All I understood of this Porteguese tradition is that it is a "no kill" bull fight. Much more kind than the traditional bullfights. But still would not attend. Just my own choice! People have been cruel and inflict pain on people, victims don't have a choice, either, but the court is there for that reason. k.l. vosburg, I don't know what the bull was thinking, either, but I am sure he would like to make his point across!!  Bad humor of course! Have a great rest of Sunday! written by amy , May 18, 2008
P.S. I am sure "Freedom of Choice" is in the CONSTITUTION, too?
-amy written by OlSkooler , May 18, 2008
And Amy, I do understand what you said, nobody wants to see an animal injured, and there are not evel people running this event as KT3SM would like everyone to think. It sounds to me like KT..is bashing the culture, and religion of the Portuguese people with her inflated accusations. He/she should quit trying to be savior of the world and leave the Portuguese alone, They have been doing fine all by themselves for a long long time........
 written by karen raasch , May 18, 2008
Would Jesus be abusing and torturing animals for fun? I think not. How dare these people call themselve Christians? Do they pick and choose which of His teachings they believe/follow? If abusing animals is a tradition in their native lands then perhap they should go there.We have laws against animal abuse in California. That is our culture. It's infuriating that people think they can break our laws if they don't comform to their "culture". The people of California care about animals and how they're treated.
 written by TracyGal , May 19, 2008
Are you referring to the Portuguese as a whole when you say "these people?" Well, I am one of them and I assure you that we are very Christian. The festa itself is a religious celebration. "We people" donate money in order to feed any and everyone who attends, Portuguese or not. "We people" work hard and donate our money to support our church. "We people" are pillars of this community. Just because there is one aspect of our culture that you don't agree with (and I'm not fond of it either), don't start name-calling. Seems that if you were so familiar with Jesus and his teachings then you would not be so judgemental.
 written by Dog , May 19, 2008
These animal rights groups/terrorists need to mind their own stinking business. They really know how to screw up peoples lives.
 written by Gurilimo R , May 19, 2008
Ya Dog, thassa loutta bull. They like big rottwillers. Nice creetuars those big pitbulls are.
  written by Ughhh! , May 19, 2008
Karen,
f you have never been to a Festa you would notice that "We people" carry the American flag as well as the Portuguese flag, we play the American National Anthem before we play our Anthem. We do not come to the US to thinking that we do not have to conform. We learn English (and if we do not learn we no not expect others to cater to us), we work hard and pay our taxes. My family came to the US and have worked VERY hard to make a good life. We have our Festas to celebrate our culture, not to ingore yours. written by amy , May 19, 2008
Thank goodness for a country that embraces many diversity and cultures/tradition/custom with it. Bet other countries does not embrace as many!? So many adjustments for all to make!
 written by Proud Portugee , May 19, 2008
This is our Tradition and Culuture!! Portuguese rule!!!
 written by Portuguese Girl , May 19, 2008
I have been attending these bullfights my entire life, and this is part of our culture... But I am against hurting these animals! These bullfights are for fun and entertainment. I think we should be able to continue to put on these events as long as the organizers comply with the rules (not to hurt the animals). Instead of using spears, use velcro...
 written by Mike D , May 19, 2008
If it is your culture, ok??? I don't understand but whatever. Perhaps it might be wise to go back to the place where it is LEGAL. In America this kind of animal cruelty is Illegal!
Further, as a proud Catholic I am saddened and offended that people would hold this kind of activity under the auspices of a religious event. You are perverting the religion by doing this, shame on you! Your culture is not larger than faith, or at least it shouldn’t be. Use some common sense and as a member of our Catholic Church I will more actively fight to ensure that you do not tie these kinds of activities to our faith.  written by Roy DeSoto , May 19, 2008
Hey "boy sad", I'll bet you don't have the balls to go to a fiesta and say that. You would get your sorry butt handed to you before you knew what hit you. I guess you can't expect much from a coward. See at the bullfights...maybe in Thorton or Gustine.
 written by connie r , May 19, 2008
If you really want to use your energy wisely....go to the Modesto Bee site and read about 70 Roosters found dead....this is what ANIMAL CRUELTY is about!!!!!
Until you have attended a Festa don't pass judgement!!!  written by TP Extras , May 19, 2008
For another view on the discontinued bullfights, visit the blog of Tracy Press columnist Jon Mendelon
http://jmendelson05.blogspot.c...-bull.html written by K3TSM , May 20, 2008
written by OlSkooler , May 18, 2008
KT3SM and Amy-It may be stupid logic to you but there is a document that you all hide behind so I will too. It's called the Constitution. Whatever that means. I guess the readers of the TP aren't allowed to have an opinion in your mind. Nobody is putting a gun to your head and making you go to these events. If you don't want to watch, you may choose not to and not attend. Doesn't really interest me. Just because I'm not there doesn't mean it's not happening. Kinda like if a tree falls in a forest if nobody is around does it make a sound? Why don't you start protesting the violence in town and protest the gangs who participate in the violence that is identified as criminal activity. You mean like get involved in a neighborhood watch program and report suspicious activity to the police department? Already doing that. written by K3TSM , May 20, 2008
Part 2
And who is "WE" "we have photographic evidence" does not show intent. Must be PETA, no wait, terrorists, no wait leftist democrats, no no that's not it, ummm the Tracy City Council, no no still not it, the Mafia no no that's not it either, Rock Stars for Peace, no still not it, Larry King, no not him either, the Clinton's, George Bush, Dan Quayle, hmmmmm who are we, Blue Man Group perhaps? Maybe "we" is simply you, me and anyone else logged onto this page. Scroll up, keep going, a bit farther, you're almost there, see there is a story up there on top of all this and there is a picture of a bull with blood running down from it's eye. So "we" must mean collectively the people reading this paper either in print or online. Quit being so paranoid man, sometimes a word is just a word. That is your opinion, and you opinion is like A*& H^#%$ everybody has got one. I think we are entitled to that under the Constitution you spoke of. Why dont you identify yourself to the people of Tracy, not by name but by organization? Pick one from the list above and then you can choose how you want to attack me. Once again quit being paranoid, "all these evil organizations are out to get us.." sometimes someone responds just cuz they have something to say. You don't give a rat's a@@ about my opinion, and I don't see your logic. Maybe that's all there is to it, two people taking contrary positions in an online forum. written by K3TSM , May 20, 2008
Finale
Have some guts, be bold, and quit whining. Better yet why don't you move to Disneyland where you can live in a place where your fantasy might work. You're right, I'll move to Disneyland so you can go on doing what you do and nobody will stand up to you and say hey man you shouldn't do that cuz the animals are getting hurt and that violates the California law that says you can't hurt the animals. Let's sing shall we? It's a world of laughter - A world of tears It's a world of hopes - And a world of fears There's so much that we share - That it's time we're aware It's a small world after all It's a small world after all It's a small world after all It's a small world after all It's a small, small world There is just one moon - And one golden sun And a smile means - Friendship to every one Though the mountains divide - And the oceans are wide It's a small world after all It's a small world after all It's a small world after all It's a small world after all It's a small, small world (Repeat ad nauseum until it's permanently etched into your brain). written by OlSkooler , May 20, 2008
KT3SM-It is a small world-Like I said B4- you have the right to NOT ATTEND!!!!!!!!!, and I never hurt any animal at the event so what are you accusing me of doing? My only point is if you dont like it dont go. Lets leave it at that cuz it sounds like your feelings are hurt..and I wouldn't want to insult anyone like you do. P.S. Mind your own business and you wont have the stroke your about to have.
written by OlSkooler , May 20, 2008
Oh, I forgot! Remind me to wake up early so I can abuse some animals, that way K3tsm can take photos of me and have evidence to use against me on the great crusade of picking on people she/he label as criminals. Ban the supreme court lets have K3TSM judge all people in the country and determine who is a criminal and who is not. Sounds like this may have happened once before...I think it involved Germany, and concentration camps or something like that-Thank you Photo Nazi for making us all feel safer!
written by TracyGal , May 20, 2008
Mike D -
The bullfights are a week AFTER the festa (the religious celebration) and are not a part of the religious aspect. Check your facts before you mount that soapbox. A good Catholic would. written by OlSkooler , May 20, 2008
TracyGal-I guess as KT says we are all criminals so that don't matter. KT wants to save the world and probably has photos of people stepping on bugs he/she plans to take to court. K3TSM sounds like a bigot who doesn't like the way of life that existed here for over 100 years and now wants to change the world. He/she is a BAT and should move back to where ever it was he/she came from. Save the world there, we don't need saving. P.S. You still have the RIGHT not to attend, so don't.........and it's still NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!!!!!!
written by OlSkooler , May 20, 2008
To all-please excuse me for the next few weeks, yah-you caught me I'll be off abusing a few thousand animals so the rest of America can enjoy their chicken nuggets, and hamburgers.......hope nobody is taking pictures.......Enjoy!
written by Mike D aka, A fact checking Catholic , May 20, 2008
TracyGal- I do check my facts, obviously you don't. The event is sponsored by the Tracy IPFES (do you know what the ES stands for?) and advertised as the Holy Ghost Celebration. The bullfights are advertised right along side the mass. If you don't want the religious association, be better in removing the religious aspects. I'm sure Queen Saint Isabel had bullfights on her mind when she was feeding the hungry.
I still don't support this association with the church. If your argument is that the Festa, i.e. 80th Holy Ghost Celebration is not religious then don't use the church and have mass, keep them separate. I'll stand by what I said, and enjoy the view from the soapbox. Face the facts, the "cultural" practice of bloodless bullfights didn't live up to its name and was found to be illegal. Oh ya, if you need the definition of what a festa is for your research/facts, here is where I got it. Sounds religious to me. http://www.upses.com/history.html written by K3TSM , May 21, 2008
I never hurt any animal at the event so what are you accusing me of doing?
Nothing other than having stupid logic. You need to read what was written by me and not throw in your conspiracy theories. I'll comment on anything that appears in this paper if I feel like it so stop telling me it's none of my business. Picture above taken by the Tracy Press shows a bloody bull. Law says bullfights are not to have blood. Was it intentional? Probably not given the rough nature of the event. That's my one and only point. This content has been locked. You can no longer post any comment.
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My friends who went to this festival last year did not enjoy this one bit. Just from my observation and their reporting, females are more affected by this event than the males are. Males seemed to admire the "skills" of the madator in fighting the bull and steering the horse at the same time.
Me, I just worry about the horse, no protection!If the rider falls off or with the falling horse... whew! Bullfight just does not interest me. Just not my interest. Another tradition I am not familar with.