Letter: Once should be enough for Mesquite's bull run
Wednesday, July 29, 1998 | 10:47 a.m.
Promoters of this spectacle cannot have it both ways. Either bulls are dangerous and frightening animals, and running in front of them is an exciting and challenging experience; or the activity is really quite safe, because the bulls actually need to be "encouraged" to participate.
In reality, bulls have no wish to run after human beings, even foolhardy, stupid or cruel human beings. But like any creature, they can be goaded and taunted into behaving aggressively, and because of their great size, such aggression can be dangerous, both for the runners, and for innocent bystanders.
In Pamplona, Spain, a dozen people have been killed running from the bulls over the years, and countless more injured.
Anyone who cares about common sense, not to mention fair and decent treatment for animals, should encourage the responsible local officials not to permit a repetition of this event.
Roy C. Rineer
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