Lorraine Williamson
The poisoning of a local mayor’s dog has shocked the community of Paterna del Campo (Huelva). The animal was found dead shortly after officials cancelled the village’s annual bull-running festival, fuelling speculation, anger, and grief.
What might have been a bureaucratic dispute over permits has now spiralled into a heated debate about politics, tradition, and respect.
Festival traditions under scrutiny
Every summer, Paterna del Campo hosts the suelta de vaquillas, when young bulls are released into the streets as residents dodge and cheer them on. For many, the festival represents history and community identity. But critics argue it raises animal welfare concerns and presents risks to public safety.
In recent years, the Junta de Andalucía has imposed stricter rules, leading to more rejections and anger in towns where these events are deeply rooted. This year’s celebration was abruptly cancelled after the regional government refused a permit, citing missing documentation. Local officials insist everything was submitted correctly. The decision left residents divided: some felt their heritage was under attack, while others saw it as part of a wider trend of tightening oversight.
Shock and anger on social media
Against this backdrop, Mayor Juan Salvador Domínguez (PSOE) announced on Instagram that his dog had been deliberately poisoned at a family property. “Who does something like this? You are sick,” he wrote in an emotional post, condemning the act as cowardly. His words sparked hundreds of reactions, ranging from sympathy to speculation about whether the killing was linked to the cancelled festival.
Political climate fuels tension
The incident has quickly moved beyond the village. Former mayors, regional PSOE branches and local leaders condemned the poisoning, warning against the rising hostility in Spanish politics. “Debate must never spill over into intimidation or cruelty,” said Miguel Ángel Curiel, former mayor of nearby Hinojos.
Others highlighted that the harsh tone dominating national debates – from climate policies to bullfighting – is filtering into small communities, with toxic consequences. Spain has been experiencing an increasingly polarised atmosphere. Divisions over culture, identity and governance have hardened in recent years, often leaving little room for compromise. The killing of a family pet has now become a tragic symbol of how that hostility can play out at ground level.
Investigation underway
The Guardia Civil has launched an investigation to determine how the dog was poisoned and whether there is any link to the cancelled bull festival. No official connection has been established so far, though suspicions remain strong in the village.
Calls for calm
The town council, still frustrated by the festival’s cancellation, has urged restraint. Domínguez appealed for unity: “This is not about political colours, but about humanity.” The challenge now for Paterna del Campo is whether it can step back from anger and rebuild a sense of calm – before division leaves deeper scars on village life.
Source: 20 Minutos