Flocks defend ancient grazing routes

SHEPHERDS from across the world joined their Spanish colleagues to lead flocks of sheep through the streets of Madrid yesterday in defence of ancient grazing routes threatened by urban sprawl and man-made frontiers.

For the last 15 years Spanish herdsmen have protested their rights by herding hundreds of sheep along the capital’s exclusive, tree-lined boulevards and luxury store-filled avenues. This year they were joined by colourfully-attired shepherds from 32 countries who had been taking part in a world gathering of nomad and transhumance shepherds.

Transhumance is the practice of seasonal livestock movement. In Spain it involves a million animals — sheep, cattle and others.