Bull runner deaths turns focus on Spain’s fiestas

The shrieks of fear-infused excitement as bulls charge through the streets of many Spanish towns during wildly popular summer festivals echo in sharp contrast to the number of people who have died after being gored this year.

Bull runs may be a beloved spectacle for locals and visitors in thousands of summer festivals across Spain, but this year's macabre, record-tying toll of eight deaths has politicians and animal rights defenders heaping much criticism on the practice.
There were no fatalities or injuries in Atanzon when revelers on foot and on horseback recently ran with the rampaging animal. But last week in Alalpardo, less than an hour's drive away, a steer fatally gored a 60-year-old man.

A week earlier a 73-year-old French woman who was a regular in bull events died in the eastern town of Beniarbeig after being gored in the chest. Six men were fatally gored in other Valencia festivals and more than 380 participants have been injured. The season doesn't end until November.
Despite the concern, authorities appear at a loss as to what additional safety measures they can take.
"Some people have lost any fear of the bull," says regional emergency chief Jose Maria Angel. He urges revelers to be more cautious, the primary recommendation to come out a safety review meeting.
Valencia regional government Deputy President Aitana Mas has left the door open to debate whether to prohibit these kinds of fiestas, saying that the current legislation is "not enough."
Only a few villages have canceled such festivals. Tavernes de la Valldigna is one that has, and sees it as a matter of staying in step with its policy of defending animal rights.

"I hope our decision brings further into the streets the debate and leads to the end of this...