Every Matador’s third Banderillero (one of the members of a bullfighter’s "supporting band"in the ring) also functions as the puntillero.

Once the Matador has executed the so called moment of truth, the death trust, and the bull has collapsed onto the ground, it is the puntillero’s job to approach the bull and sever the bull’s spinal cord to ensure death. This is done with the puntilla, a broad bladed dagger, to ensure a quicker and painless death to the animal.