39 young people identified for kicking a chicken like a football in La Rioja

The group, aged 17 to 20, face fines of over €10,000 for animal abuse during the Quintos festival in Villamediana de Iregua

Dozens of young people are facing hefty fines after being caught on video kicking a live chicken like a football during a festival in La Rioja. The disturbing incident took place in Villamediana de Iregua during the Quintos festival in February 2024. Initially, the Guardia Civil investigated two individuals, aged 17 and 18, for animal cruelty. However, officers from Seprona, the Nature Protection Service, have now identified another 39 young people who were involved.

The newly identified suspects, aged between 17 and 20, are all Spanish nationals from the Logroño metropolitan area. They have been reported for a serious breach of Spain’s Law on the Protection of Animal Rights and Welfare, which carries potential fines ranging from €10,001 to €50,000. If the offence is deemed very serious, the penalty could exceed €50,001. While the first two individuals were referred to the courts, these latest 39 suspects will face administrative proceedings.

The footage of the incident, recorded at the town’s public school, was widely shared on social media. The school had been designated by the Villamediana City Council as a venue for the celebrations. The video sparked widespread outrage, prompting authorities to take action.

In addition to the penalties for those involved, the security company responsible for the site’s video surveillance system has also been sanctioned. Seprona has proposed a fine for the company under Spain’s Personal Data Protection Act, citing its failure to provide key information for the prevention and investigation of criminal activity. If found responsible for a very serious violation, the company could face a fine ranging from €360,001 to €1,000,000.

The Guardia Civil is urging the public to report cases of animal abuse or environmental crimes through their 24-hour hotline, 062. Specialised officers are deployed across La Rioja to investigate such offences.

This case highlights the serious legal consequences of animal cruelty in Spain, as well as the authorities’ determination to hold perpetrators accountable. As the investigation unfolds, those involved in this shocking act now face significant financial penalties and a lasting stain on their reputations.

Image: Engin Akyurt/Pexels