Else Beekman
Aurea Peralta, the councillor for animal welfare in the southern Spanish town of Benalmádena, is facing heavy criticism after she attended a bullfight during Holy Week in Málaga. Her appearance at the event, shared via her own Facebook account with the caption “Tarde de Toros”, sparked an online backlash, with hundreds calling for her resignation.
A councillor tasked with protecting animals attending a bullfight? Many found it incomprehensible.
Public outcry and calls to resign
The controversy erupted after Peralta posted a photo from Málaga’s Malagueta bullring, dressed for the occasion. The image drew over 300 comments—many expressing outrage and calling for her to resign.
Patricia Navarro pointedly referenced the councillor’s professional profile: “Councillor, your LinkedIn mentions ‘animal protection’—how can you shamelessly enjoy a bullfight and still claim to defend animal rights? Your level of cynicism is overwhelming.”
Nicole Cook shared a similar sentiment, writing: “This is a disgrace to the office you hold. Representing animal welfare while attending such cruelty is beyond comprehension. Step down and let someone with real compassion take your place.”
Others were even more direct. “No one who truly cares for animal welfare would attend such an event, let alone promote it,” one commenter wrote. “If you have any respect for animals, you should resign.”
Luis Hidalgo summed up the general mood with a blunt conclusion: “Show some decency and resign on Monday.”
Animal welfare advocate speaks out
Concordia Márquez, founder of the well-known Andalusian animal rescue Todos Los Caballos del Mundo, also reacted strongly. In a message on Facbook she clarified was made in a personal capacity, she did not mince words:
“When I first saw the photo, I didn’t even realise what it was. I thought I was looking at two vintage Pepona dolls in perfect condition, probably for sale online. Then I put on my glasses—and I was shocked.”
“As councillor for animal welfare, you’ve just delivered a slap in the face to all sentient beings. You’ve made history, for all the wrong reasons.”
She closed her post with a clear suggestion: “Take my advice and resign. Then you can do whatever you want in your free time. And if you’re sad afterwards, go have a steak, you’ll feel better.”
Concordia Márquez’s organisation is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused and neglected animals, including horses, donkeys, and dogs. At present, the sanctuary houses close to 300 animals and works closely with local authorities to ensure that those responsible for animal cruelty are held accountable.
Bullfighting still divides Spain
The issue of bullfighting continues to divide Spain. While some defend it as part of national heritage, growing segments of society, including many municipalities, have banned or discouraged it due to ethical concerns.
According to a recent nationwide survey, 78% of Spaniards do not consider themselves supporters of bullfighting. However, only 48% support the initiative to revoke its status as protected cultural heritage—suggesting a complex relationship with the tradition. Many seem to tolerate bullfighting as a legacy practice, even if they do not personally enjoy it.
Opposition to bullfighting spans all age groups and political affiliations, although support remains somewhat stronger among voters of right-wing parties like PP and Vox. Interestingly, even among these groups, a majority identify as ‘non-taurino’. Women and younger citizens are particularly opposed: over 82% of Spanish women say they reject the practice, compared to 73% of men.
Recently, a citizen legislative initiative gathered over 500,000 signatures in an attempt to strip bullfighting of its official cultural status. The Spanish parliament is now considering the proposal.
What this incident says about animal welfare policy
The incident lays bare just how fragile and inconsistent Spain’s animal welfare policy can be. In 2023, the country introduced a new national animal welfare law (Ley 7/2023), which expanded the responsibilities of local governments in promoting animal protection. Since then, several municipalities—including Benalmádena—have appointed dedicated councillors for animal welfare to implement the new requirements.
But the credibility of such roles depends on more than administrative titles. Can a politician be taken seriously in this field if their personal actions contradict the very values their office is meant to uphold?
In the face of tradition, people like Concordia remind us what compassion with animal welfare really looks like.
Those who wish to support Concordia’s work can do so via Todos Los Caballos del Mundo. Donations, volunteer support, and symbolic animal adoptions are all welcome and help fund her vital rescue and legal efforts.