Thousands protest against animal rights bill in Spain for excluding hunting dogs

Demonstrators take part in a protest against hunting amidst amendment proposals that seek to leave hunting dogs and other animals involved in traditional rural activities out of the country's proposed animal welfare bill, in Madrid, Spain, February 5, 2023. REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura

Thousands of people marched through central Madrid on Sunday to protest against a bill aimed at strengthening animal rights for excluding hunting dogs which opponents say are being exploited.

The protest comes four days before parliament is due to vote on the new animal rights bill proposed by the ruling Socialist part. But the draft law exposed divisions in its support base, with rural voters arguing that sections of the bill would effectively legislate hunting out of existence.