Some Colombian bullfighters have been engaging in a hunger strike in hopes of getting their jobs back after a bullfighting ban, but the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is suggesting a different solution. The animal rights group has offered to train the matadors to find new jobs.

According to Fox News Latino, Bogotá Mayor Gustavo Petro banned bullfighting at La Santamaria, a historic bullfighting arena, in 2012. He also annulled the contract of Corporacion Taurina de Bogotá, (Bullfighters' Association of Bogotá), preventing the group from bullfighting in the arena after the January 2012 to February 2012 season.

The association maintains that it should be permitted to bullfight in the arena until at least March 2015. As a result, eight matadors started a hunger strike outside of La Santamaria this month. Last week, one was hospitalized. Another striker, 23-year-old Andres Manrique, reported losing 13 pounds.

"[Petro] has marginalized us," Diego Torres, a 19-year-old matador apprentice and striker, said. "Here, everyone looks at us like we're the scum of the earth."

The matadors each earn over $330 per fight, but PETA has offered an alternate way for the bullfighters to make money.

"I am writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 3 million members and supporters worldwide to offer to help cover the cost of retraining Bogotá's bullfighters in suitable occupations, including the apprentices who are currently on a hunger strike," Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA U.S. president, said in a letter to Felipe Negret, director of La Corporación Taurina de Bogotá.

"Since they are so comfortable with death, we suggest that they may do well in trades such as funeral attendant, mortuary cosmetologist or graveyard security guard, or, if they are ready for a total change, florist."

According to The Associated Press, a member of Colombia's Constitutional Court said that within the next week, the nine member body will vote on whether or not the banning of bullfighting in La Santamaria is unconstitutional.

Despite the court's ruling, it seems likely that PETA will continue to oppose bullfighting in the country.

"Imagine if they [matadors] were able to answer people -- including their own children -- who ask, 'What did you do at work today?' without having to say, 'I killed animals in an arena for bloodthirsty people to cheer,'" PETA's letter read.
---

Follow Scharon Harding on Twitter: @ScharHar.

Related