AROUND 40,000 bulls die each summer in Spanish bullrings.

But before they die – before they finally escape their tormentors — they are goaded and mutilated for the edification of a baying crowd, largely made up of tourists – Spaniards themselves have little interest in this so-called ‘sport’.

I urge those thinking of going to Spain this summer to boycott bullfights with the understanding they would not be seeing a Spanish tradition, just a brutal bloodfest put on to appease a sensation-hungry (and paying) mob.

If any reader feels as strongly as I do about this issue, would they please write a polite letter of protest to the Spanish Embassy, 39 Chesham Place, London SW1X, urging them to have some compassion and ban bullfighting for good.

SARA LEE Prestwich