Bargain hunters and charity shop lovers around Calahonda have a great reason to visit El Zoco this weekend. Age Care Costa del Sol is stepping outside its usual shop doors to hold its very first outdoor pop-up market. Volunteers have recently cleared out the back storerooms and found boxes of fantastic items that simply would not fit onto the regular display shelves inside

Storeroom clear out yields exceptional wardrobe finds

Volunteers have spent much time going through physical donations, unearthing brilliant stock that deserves a proper viewing. Shoppers attending the Saturday event will find racks packed with practical items, including sturdy coats, tailored jackets, warm jumpers, and specialised golf wear suited for local courses. Parents can browse delightful children’s clothing options priced to clear quickly. Organisers designed this morning-to-afternoon gathering to accommodate everyone looking for wardrobe refreshments without breaking household budgets. Who knows what you might find, with Christmas creeping closer you may find something suitable for a different gift or a stocking filler? Or something that may be perfect to finish off your outfit for Halloween?

Community spirit and charity support in El Zoco

Age Care relies entirely on shop proceeds to fund vital welfare assistance and support networks for elderly expats across Mijas Costa and surrounding towns. Building on the recent success where the Age Care fashion show raises €2,400 for charity, team members hope this weekend market brings in another boost.

Locals can drop by outside the main shop between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, October 31st. Organisers invite neighbours to pop over, say hello, have a little mooch around, spend some euros, and support a brilliant local cause.

Age Care Costa del Sol, El Zoco, Calahonda. For more information on this pop-up and other events you can visit the Age Care Costa del Sol pages on Facebook.

Police have rescued 61 dogs and cats from a home in Velez-Malaga after neighbours complained about constant barking and meowing and a powerful smell coming from the property.

The Policia Nacional arrested a 53-year-old woman on suspicion of a continuing offence of animal abuse after officers discovered the animals living in extreme filth, with many suffering from serious illnesses and malnutrition.

Some of the animals had been shut inside kitchen furniture in complete darkness, according to the police investigation reported by various Spanish newspapers on Monday, October 26.

Neighbours’ complaints lead police to 61 animals

Officers from the Policia Nacional’s local judicial investigation unit began investigating after residents raised concerns about the noise and foul smell coming from the property.

A search of the house uncovered 29 dogs and 32 cats spread across different rooms. Investigators allege that the woman had been collecting stray, abandoned and lost animals without providing the basic food, hygiene and veterinary care they needed. Some of the animals reportedly had microchips, suggesting they could have been lost pets rather than strays.

The property belonged to the woman’s mother, who is in her eighties. Police found the house in an extremely unhygienic condition, with animals kept in cramped surroundings and some confined inside kitchen cupboards.

Investigators have raised the possibility of Noah’s syndrome, a condition associated with compulsive animal hoarding. However, this has not been confirmed as a medical diagnosis, and the criminal investigation concerns the alleged mistreatment of the animals.

Dogs and cats suffered serious illnesses

Many of the rescued animals arrived at shelters with bloody diarrhoea, hair loss and eye problems. Several were suffering from diseases requiring urgent veterinary treatment.

Conditions identified included:

• Leishmaniasis: a parasitic disease that can cause serious illness in dogs.
• Parvovirus: a highly contagious virus that can be life-threatening, particularly for puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
• Giardia: a parasite that can cause intestinal problems and diarrhoea.
• Mange: a skin condition caused by mites.

Several dogs were severely malnourished and dehydrated. Some had to be admitted to veterinary hospitals for assisted feeding and intensive treatment.

Despite emergency veterinary care, some animals ended up dying. Police also reported that a particularly aggressive parvovirus outbreak infected other animals. One of the rescued cats had reportedly lost its sight completely.

Investigators have referred possible aggravating circumstances to the judicial authorities, including alleged cruelty and the deaths of some animals. The woman has been officially arrested, but any criminal responsibility will be determined through the courts.

Rescued animals need new homes in Malaga

Surviving animals are now being cared for by animal shelters and protection centres across Malaga province. The Policia Nacional has appealed to the public to help find them new homes, with particular attention to the cats, which reportedly have a lower adoption rate than dogs.

Adoption enquiries can be made by calling 952 97 16 63. According to the information released by police, adoption is being offered free of charge.

The operation received support from Velez-Malaga Town Hall, which covered veterinary expenses associated with the emergency treatment of the rescued cats. Several animal protection centres across the province also helped with the rescue and care arrangements.

Anyone considering adoption should use the contact number to ask about the animals’ individual health, recovery and suitability for a new home. The rescue comes as another reminder of the pressures facing animal protection organisations, which often have to find space and veterinary care for large numbers of animals at short notice.

Spain’s animal welfare legislation sets out duties for people responsible for companion animals, including requirements concerning their living conditions and wellbeing. The investigation in Velez-Malaga will now determine the circumstances of the alleged abuse and the responsibility, if any, of the arrested woman.

A single euro added to a drink at Marbella’s Marbepop festival could help feed, treat and shelter some of the town’s most vulnerable animals. Organisers pledged all proceeds from 1,000 reusable eco-cups to Triple A, the local association caring for abandoned dogs and cats.

How the charity appeal worked

Marbepop marked its 40th anniversary on Saturday, October 24, at Parque de La Represa. Entry was free, and festivalgoers could buy a reusable cup for an extra €1 with their first drink from the bar.

All money raised through that €1 charge will go to Triple A, which supports abandoned animals in Marbella. Marbella’s youth councillor, Alejandro Gonzalez, said the initiative “combined support for local social organisations with more sustainable habits, as reusable cups reduce reliance on single-use plastic.”

Why Triple A needs support

Triple A currently cares for around 600 animals, largely abandoned dogs and cats. Its monthly costs reach about €60,000, covering food, medication, surgery and other veterinary care.

Marbella Town Hall gives the association an annual grant of €120,000, but Gonzalez said the scale of its work means further community support is always necessary. Triple A volunteer Pilar Jimenez welcomed the festival’s gesture, saying every small contribution helps the association continue its work.

She also encouraged residents to learn more about Triple A and to consider making donations directly, so the organisation can keep providing care for animals in need.

Four decades of local music

This year’s Marbepop bill featured Las Dianas, Besmaya and La Leshe que Mamate, along with local artists including Benjamin Paco, Hako, Klimax, Hizox, Aigy and Ñeco. Besmaya replaced Malmö 040, while Benjamin Paco took the place of Skabum after the festival was postponed because of forecasts of heavy rain.

La Leshe que Mamate, a Marbella band linked to the festival’s early days, returned with Poorhouse Rockers for a ska-inspired set. Las Dianas brought alternative pop and rock, while Besmaya offered indie pop with electronic influences.

A lasting local tradition

Marbepop began as part of Marbella’s youth cultural movement and, four decades on, continues to bring together generations of musicians and music fans. This anniversary edition kept much of its original spirit while introducing newer sounds, including rap, trap and other contemporary styles.