Madam, - Don Mullan's recent harrowing account of bullfighting barbarity in Barcelona (The Irish Times, August 16th), referred to a Coca-Cola banner on display at the city's bullring.
The Irish Council Against Blood Sports contacted Coca-Cola about this and we are delighted to report that the company has promised to have the banner removed.
A spokesperson emphasised that "Coca-Cola does not sponsor bullfighting events and maintains a long-standing policy regarding the ethical and humane treatment of animals". She went on to explain that the banner had been displayed at the venue during exhibitions, motorbike races and concerts and unintentionally remained in place during the bullfight on August 3rd.
"To make sure this does not happen again, our local bottling partner has agreed to take away these banners on a permanent basis," she added.
We thank Don Mullan and The Irish Times for highlighting this matter and also Coca-Cola for its swift and decisive response.
Our attention now turns to beer company Estrella Damm, which continues to have a banner emblazoned across the side of the bullring.- Yours, etc,
PHILIP KIERNAN, Irish Council Against Blood Sports, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.