Phone company advert insensitive and offensive

VODAFONE’S inclusion of a bullfighting scene in its current TV advert is both insensitive and offensive.

The footage of a matador taunting a bull was used, the company maintains, because “bullfighting is seen as an important part of Spain’s tradition and culture”.

This may be the view of lazy advertising executives stuck in the past, but it’s certainly not based on any modern truth.

Bullfighting is now to Spain what hunting and coursing are to Ireland — an offensive anachronism which most people want ended.

A Gallup poll carried out last year leaves no doubt that Spaniards overwhelmingly reject this horror show. A mere 7% expressed support for the activity while up to 82% said they had no interest in it.

Matadors, like the one featured in the roaming passport ad, are despised for their cold-hearted abuse of bulls.

The creatures are stabbed with lances, spears and swords and, after they collapse into a puddle of blood, their spinal cord is severed and their ears and tail are carved off as trophies.

Vodafone should recognise that torturing animals is cruelty, not culture, and immediately cut this scene.

Philip Kiernan

Irish Council Against

Blood Sports

PO Box 88

Mullingar

Co Westmeath