Bull rampage highlights danger of using animals in films and cruelty of bull runs

[PR ADI]

PRESS RELEASE - 26 November 2009

Bull rampage highlights danger of using animals in films and cruelty of
bull runs

Animal Defenders International (ADI) believes the incident in which two
people were hurt by bulls on a film set highlights the danger of using
animals in entertainment. Two women were injured when the animals
collided with them after escaping the set of a new film "Knight and Day"
due to star Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.

ADI, which campaigns to stop animals being used in films, adverts and
the theatre, is urging the two Hollywood stars to reconsider their
involvement in this film. ADI has expertise in the use of animals in
the entertainment industry and its campaigns have highlighted the
deprivation, suffering and welfare issues of these creatures as well as
the public safety issues demonstrated by this incident.

The bulls were being used in rehearsals for scenes which imitate the
bull run which is held each July in Pamplona, northern Spain. Bull runs
are cruel and extremely violent. Crowds of people race before a herd of
galloping bulls over cobbled streets to the bullring where they are
massacred by matadors.

ADI also fears that even a staged version of the annual event should not
be included in a Hollywood film as it could give credibility to this
ritual slaughter and mislead the public as to the true nature of these
horrendous spectacles across Spain.

The tourist industry is one of the primary sources of support for
bullfighting. In order to attract spectators, bull fights are portrayed
as traditional, festive and a fair competition between the bull and the
matador. However, it is not a fair match as the bull is not given any
chance of survival.

Jan Creamer, ADI Chief Executive, said: "We urge Tom Cruise and Cameron
Diaz to re-think their decision to participate in a film which could
glamorise this violent and unnecessary bloodbath. Bullfighting and
fiestas where bulls are brutalised and killed by matadors are completely
devoid of compassion and have no place in a modern civilised society."

Bullfighting often takes a central role during festivals and fiestas.
During these fiestas, the cows, bulls or calves suffer from the most
horrendous acts of cruelty, lasting up to five hours in length; they are
eventually stabbed to death in front of cheering crowds.

Ends

For further information, contact
ADI Press Office, Amanda Gent Tel: 020 7630 3340, Mob: 07785 552548
Email: prd...@ad-international.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

Animal Defenders International (ADI)
With offices in London, San Francisco and Bogota, Animal Defenders
International (ADI) campaigns on issues including protection of animals
in entertainment, replacement of animals in experiments; worldwide
traffic in endangered species; vegetarianism; factory farming; pollution
and conservation. ADI also rescues animals in distress worldwide. Our
evidence has led to campaigns and legislative action all over the world
to protect them. www.ad-international.org


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