Two Australians gored by bulls at controversial San Fermin festival

Pamplona, Spain - July 14, 2013: People run from bulls on street during San Fermin festival in Pamplona

Two Australians are among three people who have been gored at the controversial San Fermin festival in Pamplona.

The Australian Associated Press reported a Spaniard and two Australians were gored at the final bull run of this year’s festival, after a bull broke from the pack.

Spanish news agencies identified the Aussies as “JC”, 30, from Adamstown Heights, NSW, and “BK”, 27. “JC” has reportedly suffered a 15cm wound after being lifted by a bull and suffering a goring. “BK’s” right arm has also been injured, although reports do not reveal the extent of the injury.

Neither are in a critical condition.

While five bulls stayed in a group on Sunday, charging through the streets with their guiding steers, one bull reportedly drifted back and caused havoc in the crowds of runners.

The bull reportedly lifted a man over its horns, then clipped another two runners who were trapped against a wall.

Regional hospital spokesperson Tomas Belzunegui reportedly said the man who had been tossed by the bull was gored in the leg, while another man was gored in the right arm and a third in the armpit. The hospital said the wounds were not life-threatening.

The Red Cross reported several other injuries from knocks received during the bull run.

The six bulls involved in the 850-metre run to the bull ring were reportedly killed later on Sunday.

On the eve of this year’s festival, dozens of semi-naked animal rights activists staged a performance simulating speared bulls lying dead on Pamplona’s streets. The peaceful protest aimed to draw attention to animal cruelty for the sake of entertainment.

Animal rights activists reportedly leapt into the bullring in Pamplona on the first day of the festival, with animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) posting video of it on social media.

In March, with the release of its top 10 ways for travel agents to stay animal-friendly, The Travel Corporation encouraged travel professionals not to promote festivals that subject animals to cruelty for entertainment.

These include animal circuses, dancing bears, dog or cockerel fights, running of the bulls and any festival that causes suffering to animals.

Click here to learn how you can ensure that your clients’ journeys abroad remain animal-friendly.

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