Madrid: Sheep take over streets in defense of grazing (PHOTOS)
Sheep are mustered through the center of Madrid on October 28, 2012. Shepherds herded hundreds of sheep to the capital to promote the conservation of the ancient paths of migration (moving flocks from winter to summer pastures) dating back some 8,000 years. Thousand of sheep pass through the city center, joined by cows and shepherds, marking the annual livestock migration festival which has taken place in the Spanish capital since 1994.
Around 2,000 sheep made their way across central Madrid as shepherds defended ancient grazing rights.
The Associated Press reported that the right to use droving routes that were once open fields and woodland before Madrid became a modern city has existed since 1273.
The story you just read is not locked behind a paywall because listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Now more than ever, we need your help to support our global reporting work and power the future of The World. Can we count on you?