Bull fighting sends a negative message

Even without laying out a legal argument – and Chapter 360, Section 4, Laws of Kenya proscribes baiting animals to fight – the bullfight planned for tomorrow at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, is a misguided idea.

From a moral and ethical standpoint, transporting bulls more than 500km to Nairobi and goading them to fight before a large, boisterous crowd is wrong.

According to the event’s organisers, the bullfight will be used to promote Kenya’s tourism and entertain Nairobi residents. But our status as a first class tourist destination is grounded solidly on our wildlife, beaches, open spaces and scenic landscapes.

While it is important to open up the Western Kenya tourist circuit through eco-tourism, focus should instead be placed on the numerous and unique historical sites, scenic landscapes, ancient Kingdoms, cultural festivals and non-violent cultural practices such as boat racing, fishing and sailing.

Western Kenya also boasts of national parks with unique flora and fauna. These could form the basis for a vibrant eco-tourism package so long as an enabling infrastructure, security and a robust marketing strategy are in place.

{James Isiche, Nairobi}

Should Kenyans take the law seriously or only go by the dictates of commercialism?

Do we need testosterone highs and crowd hysteria at the sight of terrified animals’ blood and gore?

Do we want to bring out the worst of human nature, which we saw in abundance at the beginning of this year?

The Animal Welfare Action Kenya (Awake) Committee was formed by the Government Veterinary Department to promote animal welfare issues in the country and to uphold the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

It was with great concern that we learned that a bull fighting event will be held tomorrow at Kasarani.

Bull fighting means that two animals fight and cause each other injury. Often the horns are sharpened to cause maximum damage.

Local tradition in a small contained area around Kakamega will eventually be addressed through education and sensitisation.

However, to commercialise this at national level and encourage it is completely unacceptable especially now that Kenya is addressing animal welfare issues, both domestic and wild.

{Jean Gilchrist, KSPCA}