Matadors, Breeders Threaten To Strike

Spain’s passionate bullfight fans might soon be snorting with anger if matadors and breeders proceed with a threatened strike - the first in bullfighting history.

The strike was called for Sunday to protest new regulations aimed at stamping out the illegal practice of shaving bulls’ horns.

Aficionados and experts have long complained that many breeders and matadors shorten or blunt the horns to make the bulls less dangerous. Tampering with the horns also reduces the bull’s ability to gauge distances.

The strike could force the cancellation or postponement of major festivals, such as the 12-day Fallas in Valencia in March, the April Fair in Seville, and the most prestigious of all, the San Isidro bullfights held each May in Madrid.