OUR COMMITMENT TO A GETXO

FREE FROM ANIMAL ABUSE

Since 2024, we have been working towards a more ethical future for our festivals, with the support of the whole community.

RESIDENTS OF GETXO

FOR CHANGE

We are a group of residents of Getxo who are fighting against Sokamuturra, a festive tradition that inflicts cruelty on animals. Our mission is to replace this action with an ethical alternative, which respects both animals and our traditions.
For an ethical alternative that respects both animals and our traditions.

WE ARE A CITIZENS’ INITIATIVE IN FAVOUR OF A MORE MODERN AND RESPECTFUL GETXO

We want Getxo to be free from animal abuse. We want it to be a municipality in which entertainment is not at the expense of animals suffering.

PROGRESS IN THE FIGHT

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Since our foundation, we have taken important steps towards change, including interventions in the Municipal Plenary sessions and strong community support for the collection of signatures.

COLLECTION OF SIGNATURES

Thanks to the collaboration of the community, we have obtained signatures to join the petition to change the tradition and foster animal-friendly alternatives.

INTERVENTION IN THE MUNICIPAL PLENARY SESSION

On 31st October 2024, we presented our proposal to Getxo Town Council’s Plenary Session. This included the elimination of Sokamuturra and the introduction of alternative ethical festivals. Please read about the points raised and the response we hope to receive.

WHAT DO THE VETS SAY?

THE PROFESSIONAL VIEW ON ANIMAL ABUSE

Vets and animal welfare experts have been crucial in our fight. Some studies and testimonies that support our cause are shared here.

Several studies document the suffering of the animals in Sokamuturra, pointing out the negative effects on their health and welfare.

CONSULT THE REPORTS

Several vets have shared their point of view on how traditional activities affect animals.

CONSULT THE REPORTS

There are scientific studies that demonstrate the physiological and psychological effects of handling animals at events like Sokamuturra.

CONSULT THE REPORTS

The Gurean Project by Askekintza documents the suffering of animals in traditional festivals in the Basque Country by means of secretly recorded images. This material supports the Sokamuturra Ez cause, highlighting the urgent need to eliminate practices like Sokamuturra.

Our aim is for a Getxo free from animal abuse

At Sokamuturra Ez, we seek to eliminate Sokamuturra and explore respectful alternatives, contributing to the improvement of the Municipal Ordinance so as to avoid the financing of entertainment featuring animals.

We are convinced that Getxo can move towards a more ethical and modern model of festivals, aligned with animal welfare values. A Getxo without animal entertainment, where we can all enjoy inclusive activities that do not cause harm to any living being.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CAUSE?

Do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can work for real change.

Technical documentation

Scientific reports and evidence

Recopilación de informes veterinarios, estudios científicos y documentos legales que respaldan la eliminación de la Sokamuturra.

INFORME SANITARIO Y EPIDEMIOLÓGICO

Brotes activos en Deba, Mutriku y Bergara afectan a las ganaderías proveedoras de vaquillas para festejos. El informe documenta el riesgo epidemiológico de estos desplazamientos y el peligro de contagio a personas en espectáculos sin bioseguridad.

INFORME JURÍDICO

Legal analysis prepared by the HAIEKIN association that documents the contradictions of the proposed law with Basque animal protection regulations, children’s legislation and international mandates on children’s rights.

INFORME TÉCNICO

Report by Dr. Nuria Querol Viñas based on 204 scientific studies that documents the psychological effects of witnessing animal abuse in childhood: desensitization, erosion of empathy and risk of subsequent violent behavior.

Expert report