Shakira’s concert in Barranquilla sparks controversy over animal deaths

The fumigation carried out at the Metropolitan Stadium in Barranquilla before Shakira's concert would have caused the death and disappearance of a hundred cats and other animals due to the effects of the substances released into the air

Hours before Shakira was to perform in Barranquilla, Colombia, a commotion erupted, frightening local activists and animal rights campaigners. A fumigation process carried out at the Metropolitano Stadium prior to the concert allegedly caused the death and disappearance of some animals, namely cats that had taken refuge there.

According to the activists, Conny Arrieta and ALTO platform among others, the population of felines living in the grounds of the stadium along with the nearby velodrome significantly decreased within just 24 hours. From the 120–130 estimated felines, there were fewer than 20 of them remaining. Other animals such as a pregnant dog may have been a victim of the chemicals used for fumigation.

The use of highly poisonous pesticides poses an immediate threat to urban wildlife, particularly those which find refuge in public venues like stadiums. The effects of the chemicals can be catastrophic, leading to poisoning, severe respiratory problems, and food and water pollution. Volunteers who fed the animals previously attested to seeing several dead or badly hurt ones.

“We demand immediate action to prevent such tragedies”

In response to the incident, animal welfare organizations have issued an urgent appeal to authorities, calling for them to take swift action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Their recommendations include relocating animals to safety areas before fumigation, using less toxic pesticides, and improving coordination with animal protection groups.

Political figures have also entered the mix. Senator Esmeralda Hernández urged Barranquilla mayor Alejandro Char to move fast to protect the animals in the stadium. Local authorities, however, are still mum to this day, fueling additional public alarm.

The experience has infuriated the public and human rights groups, who are now demanding greater accountability in planning events on a mass scale. While fumigation is crucial for safety and hygiene reasons, it should in no way happen at the cost of the animals that inhabit such places.