‘Dog spinning’ in Bulgaria – tradition or cruelty? by Katerina Lorenzatos Makris
They tie a rope around a dog, suspend him over water, then wind the rope tightly so that when the rope unwinds, the dog spins at high speed in the opposite direction, and finally plunges into the water.
Dog spinning, or “trichane,” is an ancient Kukeri ritual, according to Bulgaria’s Sofia News Agency, and in the village of Brodilovo, some believe it prevents rabies. In any case, they say, it’s harmless.
But Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borisov believes otherwise, and so do European animal advocates, reports Sofia News Agency. Calling dog spinning “torture,” they are taking steps to end it.
