Six youths were detained yesterday in connection with the maltreatment of a heifer during festivities in Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga, last Sunday.
The youths were released after making a court appearance.
Video footage of the incident, in which the group of youths are seen hitting and pushing the calf, provoked widespread complaints, not only nationally but also from abroad.
Apparently, the calf did not die as a result of the maltreatment but due to a head injury caused by a collision with another animal during the traditional releasing of the bulls.
However, the Mayor of Alhaurín el Grande, Juan Martín Serón, has announced that the May fair will no longer feature this traditional letting loose of the bulls as it has become apparent that there are no adequate means of stopping the unscrupulous few, as on this occasion, taking over the bull ring.