Rojales Local Police have stepped up efforts to combat illegal dumping across the municipality, launching a special summer campaign targeting those responsible for leaving garden waste, furniture and other rubbish in public areas. The operation, which runs until the end of August, is already leading to fines and encouraging residents to help protect their community.

Police step up patrols across Rojales

Rojales Local Police have launched a special campaign to tackle illegal dumping of garden waste, furniture and other rubbish, with increased patrols continuing until the end of August.

The initiative began in response to ongoing problems caused by people leaving waste in streets and public areas instead of disposing of it properly. Officers are carrying out targeted patrols across the municipality in an effort to catch offenders in the act.

As part of the operation, police are examining packaging and other items left among dumped waste to identify those responsible. Officers are also monitoring social media and speaking to residents in affected areas to gather information.

The campaign is already producing results. During its first week, almost a dozen fines were issued, with several cases solved thanks to information provided by residents.

Residents urged to report offenders

Police say illegally dumping pruning waste, old furniture and other household items creates unnecessary cleaning costs and affects the appearance and health of the community.

Residents are being encouraged to continue reporting incidents. Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping can contact the Local Police on (+34) 966 715 129, or by email at policialocal@rojales.es.

Officers are asking people to send photographs or videos where possible, together with the location of the incident. This allows patrols to attend quickly, investigate the reports and take action against those responsible.

The council hopes the campaign will not only deter offenders but also raise awareness of the importance of disposing of waste responsibly, helping to keep Rojales clean, safe and attractive.

A recent horse carriage crash in Fuengirola has reignited debate over whether horse-drawn carriage rides should be banned, particularly during periods of extreme heat. Euro Weekly News readers were asked whether horse carriage rides should be banned, with the majority of respondents firmly in favour. Many focused-on animal welfare, while others acknowledged the impact a ban could have on those who rely on carriage rides for their income.

For Linda McFadden, there should be an end to both horse and donkey rides. She said: “Time to stop those carriage rides plus the donkey rides.”

Animal welfare was also central to Shon Drek’s response, who argued that animals deserve to be treated with the same consideration afforded to other living beings. “Respect for animals is respect for life. They are not toys for us to play games with. They think and they have emotions. They get anxious and bored. It’s incredibly sad to abuse them especially because we are humans with a conscience and should know better.”

Melissa Baker was similarly critical of using horses to transport tourists in high temperatures, saying: “No one wants to see these poor horses in the heat carrying entitled tourists.”

The potential danger to both animals and people was highlighted by Gordon O’Keeffe, who believed accidents could be avoided. “If accidents like this are happening and can easily be prevented, then yes. Horses are skittish at the best of times, unpredictable. Especially in boiling hot weather. Stressed and anxious, they can be very dangerous (point in question) The only other thing to consider is that these are people’s livelihoods, their only source of income perhaps?”

That concern about livelihoods provides another side to the debate, with carriage operators potentially depending on the trade to support themselves and their families. However, for Ali Scott, responsibility ultimately rests with those in charge. “Those in authority need to act and not just talk about it!”

Other readers were unequivocal in their views. Penny Evans simply responded: “Definitely yes.” Robb Spontaneous was equally direct, stating: “Yes. Total animal abuse.”

The responses show strong concern about the welfare of horses used for carriage rides, particularly during periods of extreme heat. While the livelihoods of carriage operators remain an important consideration, most people said horse carriage rides should be banned, reflecting growing concern over whether the tradition can be justified when animal welfare and public safety may be at risk.

King Felipe VI rounded off a busy weekend in Mallorca with a strong showing at the 44th Copa del Rey de Vela before joining Queen Letizia and the rest of the royal family for dinner at a favourite Palma restaurant.

The Spanish royal family’s appearance on the island combined one of the most important events on Mallorca’s summer sporting calendar with a more relaxed family evening in Portitxol.

King Felipe takes second place in Mallorca regatta

King Felipe competed in this year’s Copa del Rey for the first time aboard Hispania, sailing in the highly competitive Abanca ORC 0 class.

The 44th edition of the prestigious regatta was held in the Bay of Palma from August 1 to August 8, bringing together more than 100 boats, almost 1,000 sailors and teams representing close to 20 countries, according to the Royal Household.

Felipe and the Hispania team finished second in their class, making the boat the highest-placed Spanish entry in Abanca ORC 0. The team also won the final race of the championship, adding a particularly strong finish to the King’s first appearance aboard Hispania.

The overall winners included Vudu in Abanca ORC 0, Nola in Sail Racing ORC A, Teatro Soho San Miguel in Uber ORC B, Niramo in Azulmarino ORC C, Nadir in ClubSwan 42 and Balearia Team in the Balearia Women’s Cup.

The Copa del Rey, first held in 1982, has become one of the best-known sailing competitions in Spain and the Mediterranean. The Royal Household describes the event as a major showcase for high-level sailing, with the 2026 edition marking its 44th running.

Trophy ceremony at the Almudaina Palace

After racing concluded, Felipe headed to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina in Palma for the official trophy presentation.

The King was welcomed by Balearic Islands president Margalida Prohens, Balearic Parliament president Gabriele Le Senne and Palma mayor Jaime Martínez, among other civil and military representatives.

Felipe presented trophies to the winners before speaking with the owners and skippers of the successful boats, officially bringing the 2026 edition of the competition to a close.

The royal connection with the Copa del Rey is long-standing, with sailing forming a regular part of the family’s annual Mallorca programme.

Royal family heads to Mía restaurant in Portitxol

Later on Saturday, the focus shifted from the marina to one of Palma’s popular dining districts.

Queen Letizia, Queen Sofía, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía were among the first members of the family to arrive at Mía restaurant in Portitxol. They were accompanied by Jean Henri Fruchaud, widower of Princess Tatiana Radziwill and a close friend of Queen Sofía.

King Felipe joined the group shortly afterwards, following his appearance at the regatta and trophy ceremony.

Mía has become a familiar choice for the royal family during their Mallorca stays. The Portitxol restaurant has also welcomed the King on previous occasions, making Saturday night’s dinner another appearance at a venue already associated with the family’s summer visits to the island.

The evening provided a relaxed conclusion to a weekend that once again placed the Spanish royal family at the centre of Mallorca’s summer calendar — from the waters of the Bay of Palma and the island’s flagship sailing competition to a family dinner by the Portitxol waterfront.