Furnas
Valley is a picturesque valley known for its hotsprings, its spas, its
tranquility and its natural environment, which is ideal for nature-based
tourism.
Recently a
bullfight took place in this valley, with the permission of the local
authorities. Barbarous events such as bullfights, which go against animal
rights, have never been traditional in S. Miguel island, where Furnas Valley is
situated. Bullfighting bull breeders ,
by economic interests, are trying to introduce this so-called
"tradition" in an island where this custom never existed.
Please help
us stop this attempt against animal rights, by sending the following e-mail to the Mayor of Povoação (to which
Furnas Valley belongs), and to the local Furnas local authorities.
To/ para:
geral@cm-povoacao.pt
geral@jffurnas.com
CC:
terra.nostra@bensaude.pt
pnsmiguel.cmif@azores.gov.pt
CCO:
mcatacores@gmail.com
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Exmo. Senhor Presidente da Câmara Municipal da Povoação
Exmo. Senhor Presidente da Junta de Freguesia das Furnas
Dear sirs
The Furnas
Valley is one of the most important touristic sites in São Miguel and in the
Azores, internationally known for its incomparable nature and for its rich
heritage. Places like the Terra Nostra Park, the many hot springs and the
Furnas Lake are known references in the context of nature-based tourism.
However,
this idyllic image of the Furnas valley can easily be destroyed if events such
as the bullfight which took place on the 13th of June in the
Queimadas area are allowed. These events which go against animal rights and
welfare are not traditional in this island, and will result in the general
disapproval of foreign tourists and also of locals who come to Furnas searching
for a natural paradise.
In my
opinion these barbarian customs based on animal torture and imported from other
islands are totally incompatible with the development of a tourism based on
nature. And they are also incompatible with a modern municipality which has
until now based its tourism strategy in the respect for nature, the environment
and animals. If other events of this kind are allowed, many tourists, foreign
and national, will begin to avoid visiting the Furnas Valley, with loss of
income for hotels, local restaurants and commerce.
It is my
intention, if this kind of event is allowed in this area again, I will avoid
visiting Furnas Valley, I will avoid staying in its hotels and eating in its
restaurants, I will not shop in the local commerce and will not use its spas,
or go to Furnas events and exhibitions.
Best regards
(name, country)