Colombia: Bull with flaming horns sparks outrage in Sabanalarga

A video circulating on social media has sparked widespread indignation in Colombia after showing a bull with its horns set on fire during ‘corralejas’ in Sabanalarga, Atlántico. The footage, released by the organization Plataforma por los Animales ALTO, depicts the animal running through the arena while being pursued by attendees. According to the complaint, the fire was not accidental but was intentionally set by participants.

Senator Esmeralda Hernández, an animal rights advocate, condemned the incident, questioning why such practices are still permitted. She noted that the event occurred amidst a national legislative debate, as approximately 30 congressmen are reportedly supporting a project to protect activities such as bullfighting, corralejas, and cockfighting.

Currently, Colombia is in a transition period following Law 2385 of 2024, known as ‘No más Olé’, which prohibits bullfighting and related activities. While a total ban is set to take effect on July 22, 2027, current regulations already prohibit killing animals during these spectacles or using certain tools like banderillas. The incident has reignited the tension between those who view these events as cultural traditions of the Caribbean region and those calling for their total abolition.