Hundreds of Londoners and their canine companions will take to the streets of the capital next month in a powerful display of solidarity, calling for an urgent end to the brutal treatment of hunting dogs in Spain.
A Peaceful Protest with a Powerful Message
The major peaceful demonstration is scheduled for Sunday 1 February 2026. It forms a key part of a coordinated Europe-wide day of action, timed to coincide with the closing of the Spanish hunting season. This period is notorious for the systematic abandonment and killing of tens of thousands of dogs, primarily the Galgo and Podenco breeds.
London is one of four UK cities hosting simultaneous marches, with others taking place in Exeter, Glasgow, and Manchester. The protests aim to amplify pressure on the Spanish government to grant these animals long-overdue legal protections.
The Shocking Scale of the Crisis
Animal welfare organisations estimate that a staggering up to 100,000 hunting dogs are discarded annually in Spain. Dogs deemed no longer useful after the season ends frequently face horrific fates, with many subjected to methods that deliberately prolong suffering.
Campaigners argue the root of the issue lies in Spanish law. In 2023, the country passed a progressive new animal welfare act, but it controversially excluded hunting dogs entirely. By classifying Galgos and Podencos as mere "tools" of the trade rather than sentient beings, the legislation has effectively sanctioned ongoing abuse within the industry.
"Every February, tens of thousands of dogs are treated as disposable," said Teresa Rodriguez, who coordinates international marches for the Spanish campaign. "Our message is simple: these dogs are not 'tools', they are living beings who deserve protection under the law."
A Growing International Movement
The UK protests are organised by Free Spanish Hounds, a volunteer-led group founded in summer 2023. The organisation works to raise awareness, lobby for legal change, and support grassroots groups in Spain.
Adva Shimshy, co-founder of Free Spanish Hounds, stated: "We will continue supporting animal rights groups in Spain advocating for legal protections for Galgos and Podencos until the Spanish government delivers the protection these dogs desperately need."
The London march marks the third year of UK action, reflecting a rapidly expanding international movement. On the same day, peaceful demonstrations are planned in 45 cities across Spain and over 30 more throughout Europe, creating a unified call for change that Spanish politicians can no longer ignore.
Rodriguez added that while public awareness in Spain is growing, "many politicians still put tradition and business interests ahead of animal welfare."
Anyone wishing to join the peaceful London march, with or without a dog, can find full details on the Free Spanish Hounds website at freespanishhounds.co.uk.
