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Dozens of London pet owners and their canine companions staged a peaceful protest on Sunday February 4 in solidarity with animal rights groups in Spain, who are demonstrating against the continued practice of hunting with dogs, and the exclusion of working dogs from the new Animal Welfare Law.

 

Here in Spain, the protest was called by the ‘No to Hunting’ (No a la Caza or NAC) platform and thousands of people turned out in 47 cities around the country. They were joined by greyhounds and other canine breeds commonly used in hunting, dogs which are subject to a disproportionate level of abuse and abandonment.

 

The platform mobilises en masse every February to coincide with the end of the hunting season, and NAC spokesperson Mía Rojo took the opportunity to point out that Spain is now the only country in the EU where hunting with these dogs is still allowed by law. She also spoke out against the influence of the “hunting lobby” in the creation of laws related to animal welfare.

 

Ms Rojo argued that the lobby has pressured the government to remove certain provisions from the legislation, resulting in a lack of protection for animals. She called for a comprehensive animal welfare law that prioritises the well-being of animals over economic interests. In addition to addressing hunting practices, the NAC also highlighted the issue of drought in Spain, which poses a threat to wildlife.

 

The organisation urged lawmakers to consider the impact of drought on biodiversity and to protect birds and mammals from hunting activity. According to the NAC, it is crucial to ensure that animals are protected from harm and that their rights are respected. The protest served as a reminder of the need for stronger animal welfare laws and greater awareness about the treatment of animals in society.

 

 

Images: @SabiGalga