Jallikattu: Five gored to death at Indian bull-taming event Published duration 17 January 2018

image copyright Getty Images image caption Activists say the sport puts the players and the animals at risk

At least five men in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu have been gored to death while watching a bull-taming contest known as Jallikattu.

The men were spectators at events held since Sunday. The controversial sport is making a comeback after a ban.

The sport sees thousands of men in the state chase bulls to grab prizes tied to their specially-sharpened horns.

Last year the government decided to allow the sport, which traditionally takes place in January, after the state witnessed widespread protests

This decision paved the way for the sport to be conducted across the state this year.

Over the years, scores of people have been gored or trampled to death in the contests.

Hundreds, including spectators, have been injured.

Animal rights activists say the spectacle causes unnecessary stress to the bulls who are released into a crowd and forced to fend off people trying to ride them.

The government, however, said the sport was important for the "survival and well-being of the native breed of bulls and preserving cultural traditions".

What is Jallikattu?

image copyright Pandian Ranjith