Mayor targets bull running after injuries

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CAVE CREEK, Ariz., Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A town mayor in Arizona says he wants a "running of the bulls" event to be re-evaluated following injuries last weekend.

Cave Creek Mayor Vincent Francia said he is asking officials to decide whether to allow the 2-year-old event to continue after two participants were hospitalized with serious injuries and at least six others sustained minor injuries Saturday, The Arizona Republic reported Tuesday.

However, Francia said the town's options may be limited since the event, organized by promoter Phil Immordino, is held on private property owned by Collin "T.C." Thorstenson.

The mayor said he is in discussions with the town attorney.

"I'm not at peace that these types of injuries are taking place," he said. "The town is a de facto host of the event. Even though we're not sponsoring it, it takes place in our jurisdiction."

Organizers said about 2,500 people attending Saturday's "running of the bulls" and 600 people participated.

Immordino, who has been organizing events inspired by Pamplona, Spain's "running of the bulls" for five years and brought the tradition to Cave Creek two years ago, said prior to the event that he had brought in "bigger and badder" bulls in response to complaints that last year's rodeo bulls were too docile.

The organizer said participants understand the risks and sign waivers prior to the run.