Animal rights activists cover themselves in blood red paint to protest Pamplona bull fighting

200 to 300 bullfighters are injured every year in the traditional Spanish event

The protests came three days before the start of the famous running of the bulls San Fermin festival (Reuters)

More than 100 semi-naked activists covered in blood red paint have launched a protest outside the entrance to a Spanish bullring.

The protesters, some of whom wore bull horns, lay on the ground outside the entrance to the Pamplona bullring which hosts the famous Running of the bulls during the San Fermin festival. The event takes place every year from 6 to 14 July and has been criticised by some as promoting animal cruelty.

The activists, from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and AnimaNaturalis, held up signs saying: “Pamplona’s streets are stained with bulls' blood.”

PETA Director Mimi Bekhechi said: “PETA is calling on Spain to end its widely condemned Running of the Bulls event- and, with it, the horrific suffering and abuse of bulls.”

Animal rights protesters demonstrate for the abolition of bull runs and bullfights (Reuters)

More than 100 protestors gathered outside the bull ring for the stunt ((Photo PETA))

The Running of the Bulls is a popular event which is broadcast live on Spanish national television every year. People run in front of a herd of six bulls which charge at an average speed of 15 mph. The chase snakes through the ancient parts of the city before entering the bullring where the animals are later fought.

Runners sprint alongside Torrestrella fighting bulls at the Estafeta corner during the first running of the bulls of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona

Every year, between 200 and 300 people are injured over the course of the run, mostly after being gored on the bulls’ horns

Its organisers deny that the event involves animal cruelty. They describe the bull run as: “a mass gathering of people from all corners of the world where the partying, the fun and the joy of it all are the most outstanding ingredients.”