A SOS Animal plans to file a complaint with the Public Ministry due to the bullfighting event in Vila Franca de Xira organized by CDS-PP, where the municipal candidate Paulo Núncio ended up on the ground after being hit by a calf.
In a statement, the organization expressed its profound concern over the participation of the deputy Paulo Núncio in a bullfighting event in Vila Franca de Xira involving a calf—a juvenile animal, particularly vulnerable.
The SOS Animal has requested clarification from the General Inspectorate of Cultural Activities (IGAC) regarding the licensing/communication of the event in question and will submit a complaint to the Public Ministry, seeking an investigation into compliance with applicable legal obligations, the organization added.
It further clarifies that bullfighting events must be communicated to IGAC 15 days in advance, identifying the promoter, venue, type and number of livestock, insurance, and other legal requirements.
“Being hit by a calf smaller than many dogs”
The use of a calf in a recreational context exposes a juvenile animal to fear, stress, and risk of injury—ethically indefensible. If, in addition, the event did not comply with the law, we are facing a double failure: legal and civilizational.
The organization clearly criticizes CDS-PP and particularly Paulo Núncio, stating that “performative virility does not substitute competence.”
“It’s always easier to call others ‘urban depressives’ than to face the mirror after being hit by a calf smaller than many dogs. The images show what reality confirms: performative virility does not substitute competence—and much less empathy for sentient beings. Culture is not an excuse for gratuitous violence,” declared SOS Animal.
“Playing with animals by those who should set an example”
In addition to what it considers “animal violence,” the organization also highlights that bullfighting activities require the mobilization of public health resources due to the danger these activities pose to humans.
“In a National Health Service with known shortcomings, it’s difficult to accept that the treasury continues to fund the logistics of ‘playing’ with animals, promoted by those who should set an example,” it states.
Therefore, SOS Animal demands a public clarification from IGAC regarding “licenses/communications and other legal requirements of the event”; an urgent review of the complaint and inquiry “to ascertain facts and responsibilities” by the Public Ministry; and a clear commitment from parties and political officeholders to the “law and animal welfare, refraining from promoting/participating in events that violate the legal framework or endanger juvenile animals.”
Paulo Núncio was hit by a calf after attempting a bullfighting maneuver
Paulo Núncio, the CDS-PP candidate for the Vila Franca de Xira council, attempted to perform a bull-catching maneuver in a bullfighting event organized by the party in that same city.
In images captured at the scene and shared on the CDS-PP’s Facebook and even by the protagonist himself, the deputy is seen being hit by a calf, ending up on the ground.
Despite the mishap, he did not hesitate to say it was “an afternoon well spent.”
“As announced, the candidate caught (or attempted to catch) a calf,” reads the party’s post that, despite making light of the moment, did not escape criticism from animal advocates.
Candidato à Câmara de Vila Franca de Xira acabou prostrado no chão, mas não hesitou em considerar que “foi uma tarde muito bem passada”.
Andrea Pinto | 07:50 – 22/09/2025
