UK-wide protests urge Spain to end cruelty to hunting dogs

UK-wide protests urge Spain to end cruelty to hunting dogs

Hundreds of people and their dogs marched in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Exeter

London, United Kingdom – On Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February 2026, hundreds of people and their dogs took part in peaceful protests across the UK, demanding an end to hunting with dogs in Spain.

The protests, took place in Exeter, Glasgow, Manchester and London, coincide with the end of the Spanish hunting season, when up to 100,000 dogs – primarily Galgos and Podencos—are abandoned or killed each year, often in ways intended to prolong suffering.

The end of the hunting season on 1st February marks the time when dogs deemed unfit for hunting are discarded. Many of these dogs are treated with extreme cruelty during their lifetime, and the methods used to kill unwanted dogs are especially brutal, often designed to extend their suffering.

In 2023, despite hopes for progress, the Spanish Parliament excluded hunting dogs from Spain's new animal welfare law – ironically one of the most progressive in Europe. By classifying these dogs as "tools" rather than animals in need of protection, the government effectively sanctioned their mistreatment.

In response, Free Spanish Hounds, a UK-based volunteer organisation, was formed in summer of 2023 to raise awareness, bring meaningful legal protection for the animals used in the industry and stand in solidarity with the Spanish advocacy group.

The UK marches are part of a coordinated effort with similar peaceful protests, that take place in 45 cities in Spain and 35 others across Europe, amplifying the voices of those fighting to end this barbaric practice.

Teresa Rodriguez, who organises NAC's international protests said: "Every February, tens of thousands of dogs are treated as disposable. Our message is simple: these dogs are not 'tools', they are living beings who deserve protection under the law. By mobilising internationally, we're urging visitors to Spain to speak out against these cruel practices and create diplomatic pressure on the Spanish administration."

She added: "Awareness is growing among Spanish citizens, but many politicians still put tradition and business interests ahead of animal welfare. With international support, including the peaceful protests in the UK and across Europe, we will keep pushing until there is real, enforceable protection for these dogs."

Adva Shimshy, one of the founders of Free Spanish Hounds, said: "Now in their third year, our peaceful protests are expanding as we continue raising awareness about the plight of Spanish hunting dogs. We will continue to support animal rights groups in Spain advocating for legal protections for Galgos and Podencos until the Spanish government delivers the protection these dogs desperately need."

To learn more and join one of the peaceful protests, visit www.freespanishhounds.co.uk