Bull with fireworks on horns charges crowd in Colombia

Disturbing footage circulating on social media from Colombia has sparked public outrage after a traditional festival event turned into what authorities are now investigating as a case of severe animal abuse.

The incident took place on Friday, October 2, in the town of Sabanalarga in the Atlántico department, during local "Corraleja" celebrations. Video shared online shows a bull running through an arena with flames burning on its horns as participants attempt to dodge the animal.

According to reports in Colombian media, a group of participants tied pyrotechnic devices to the bull's horns and ignited them before releasing the animal into the arena. The bull ran through the space with the fire still burning on its horns while those in the arena scrambled to avoid it.

Bull with fireworks strapped to horns at Colombian festival (Photo: Social media)

The footage drew sharp condemnation from animal welfare organizations, which demanded an investigation into the incident and called for those responsible to be identified. Officials in the country described the event as a serious case of animal cruelty.

Eduardo Verano, governor of the Atlántico department, condemned the incident and ordered an investigation into what occurred and whether the event complied with legal requirements, with the aim of establishing responsibility for what happened.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time for bullfighting events in Colombia. In July 2026, new regulations took effect designed to govern the transition period leading to a ban on bullfighting spectacles in the country, with increased oversight and restrictions on these events.