One critic was said to have commended him for his bravado, showing utter disregard for danger.

For those who have not witnessed a bullfight, it is a spectacle in which the bull endures taunting, piercing of its neck and shoulder muscles with a lance (this is carried out by men on horseback called picadors) and being speared with metal-tipped banderilleros which remain embedded.

Following these attacks, and suffering weakened muscles and excessive loss of blood, the bewildered and once-magnificent animal faces the matador, who at this point comes into the ring for the unequal battle tipped in his favour.

Cheered on by the bloodthirsty audience, the matador taunts and teases the wounded and disoriented bull, cape in hand, until the moment arrives for the final violent thrust with the matador's sword, which may or may not be accurate the first time round.

Torturing and killing a bull in an arena for public amusement is one of the most despicable acts on Earth against innocent animals. This is yet another example of man's domination over the animal kingdom in a most violent and horrific manner.

Deirdre Moss (Ms)

Executive Officer

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals