Spanish version

Hello! We are Nerea Landa and Nerea Aizpurua, residents of Getxo  Sokamuturra is an event held in the Basque Country (North of Spain) with heifers on a rope that takes place every August in the festivities of the Old Port of Algorta, Getxo (Bizkaia). For hours, around 50 teams (about seven youths in each team) take it in turns to whip three heifers in order to climb a pole and achieve a classification. 

However, unacceptable animal suffering lies behind this tradition. These young, almost baby heifers are separated from their environment, transported by truck in stressful conditions, with their horns clipped and they are blindfolded to prevent them from seeing. After the journey, they are kept blindfolded inside a lorry until the heifer tied to a rope is released on a beach. It is shouted at, provoked and chased by dozens of young people, many of whom are under the influence of alcohol. Among the onlookers, there are many children! Watch VIDEO Sokamuturra: https:/Typical Sokamuturra in Basque Country

Veterinary reports warn that the Sokamuturra heifers are being mistreated Veterinary report of the suffering of bovides at Sokamuturra  They show clear signs of fear, suffering and stress: excessive salivation, nervous tail movements, dragging of hooves and attempts to escape, often resulting in entanglements, falls, blows and serious injuries. This year, on 11th August 2024, the hottest day in years, the heifers spent two hours inside a truck in the sun (at 36 °C/ 97F) and another two hours under constant harassment from the participants.

These heifers are taken from festival to festival, accumulating traumatic experiences until they are slaughtered, having lost their value as they are not reactive enough. Furthermore, they are trained from a very young age to be more aggressive, which aggravates the physical and emotional damage. 

On 31st October 2024, we went to Getxo Town Council’s Plenary Session with a clear proposal: Change Sokamuturra for an animal-friendly event, that is inclusive and suitable for all. We submitted 350 signatures collected by hand in record time, with the support of veterinary clinics and businesses committed to animal welfare. We pointed out that Getxo Town Council approved by majority a motion "Do not finance festivals with animal suffering” in July 2018, which has not been implemented. The response was disappointing: they comply with the regulations and that, although they are the town's festivals, the organisation of the event is delegated to a festivities committee, and we would have to talk to this committee Questions and answers at Getxo City Council Plenary Session 

We are writing to you because the new municipal ordinance on animals in Getxo will be approved in the coming weeks, which will set out the laws for the coming years. Mandatory Laws. We want the new ordinance to include a ban on festivals with animals.

We need your help to show Getxo Town Council that there are many of us who are calling for evolution and not live in the past. It is time to act and turn the Old Port festivities into an example of modernity and ethics to have fun without animal abuse.

How can you help?

Sign this petition to call for Getxo Town Council to include Sokamuturra and any other event involving animal abuse in the regulations of what is not allowed.

Share this campaign with your friends and on social media to reach more people.

Get involved: participate in our initiatives and proposals to foster ethical and friendly alternatives.

If you are a resident of Getxo, share your experience!Together, we can ensure that Getxo has inclusive festivities free from animal abuse.  Help us to put an end to this practice and build a better future for all!