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.

British people with second homes in Spain could benefit if the UK eventually restores freedom of movement with the European Union, following Andy Burnham’s call for an “honest discussion” about the country’s post-Brexit relationship with Europe.

The UK Prime Minister’s comments have reopened a debate that could have practical consequences for thousands of Britons who want to spend more time at their Spanish properties without applying for residency or arranging a long-stay visa.

However, Burnham has not proposed a specific change to the rules for British homeowners, and no agreement has been reached.

Why Burnham’s comments are interesting to Brits in Spain

In an interview with The Sunday Times, published on October 25, Burnham said Britain needed an evidence-based discussion about whether to restore free movement with the EU. He argued that migration patterns had changed since Brexit, suggesting that before the UK left the bloc, more people came to Britain for a few years before returning home.

Burnham wants Britain to consider its future relationship with Europe as a whole, rather than treating freedom of movement as a separate issue. He is due to meet EU leaders in Brussels on November 20, according to the UK Government’s announcement of the next UK-EU summit.

The debate could be important to British people living between the UK and Spain, particularly those who own holiday homes but do not have Spanish residency.

Could free movement remove the 90-day limit?

Since Brexit, British visitors have generally been limited to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the Schengen area. Time spent in Spain, France and other Schengen countries counts towards the same allowance, as explained in the European Commission’s official guide to Schengen visa rules.

Owning a property in Spain does not exempt British citizens from the restriction. Those wanting to stay longer generally need an appropriate visa or residence status. The UK Government’s Spain entry requirements explain the rules for British visitors and those planning longer stays.

A genuine restoration of free movement rights could potentially allow British citizens to live in Spain without being subject to the current short-stay limit. Britain did not need to belong to the Schengen area to enjoy free movement when it was an EU member.

However, the outcome would depend on the terms of any future agreement. A limited mobility deal would not necessarily restore the same rights as full free movement. EWN previously examined efforts by MPs to change the 90-day travel rule for Britons in Spain.

Is a change likely anytime soon?

Burnham’s comments do not mean the rules are about to change. Labour’s 2024 election manifesto ruled out restoring free movement, joining the EU single market or re-entering the customs union. The Labour Party’s 2024 manifesto set out its position on Britain’s future relationship with the EU.

The debate about closer ties with Europe has continued, but that is not the same as a government decision to restore free movement. Any major change would involve political and diplomatic negotiations, with the EU likely to expect Britain to accept reciprocal rights and other obligations.

Burnham has also said he cannot imagine recommending that Britain adopt the euro or join the Schengen area. Neither decision, on its own, determines whether a separate agreement on free movement could be reached.

For UK owners of second homes, the distinction is important: a discussion about closer EU ties is not the same as a deal restoring the right to spend unlimited time in Spain.

What could complicate talks?

For the time being, British second-home owners should continue to plan around the existing 90-day limit unless they have another legal basis for staying longer.

Immigration rights and Spanish tax residency are also separate matters. Spending more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year will generally make someone tax-resident there, although other circumstances can affect that assessment. The Spanish Tax Agency’s guidance on tax residence explains the main criteria.

Burnham’s intervention has reopened a debate with potentially important consequences for Britons in Spain. Whether it leads to any change for second-home owners, however, will depend on what Britain and the EU are prepared to agree.