Dozens of animal rights activists protested outside the new hippodrome in the Gilboa region Wednesday, where horse races have been held since morning as part of the first Israel Race.

Some 5,000 people arrived at the opening of the hippodrome, where organizers intend to hold horse races and betting events.

Around 30-40 animal rights activists, from the organization Hakol Chai(Helping Animals and Promoting Humane Education in Israel), demonstrated against the event at the entrance to the hippodrome. Five activists, three of them minors, were taken to the Afula police station for questioning.

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Hakol Chai insisted that "the work being done to build the hippodrome, as well as its planned launching, are illegal, because they threaten the welfare of the animals and because of violations of planning and construction [laws]."

Hakol Chai's director, Yadin Elam, argued that the organizers of the races failed to obtain authorization from the Agriculture Ministry's animal welfare office.

The organization had filed a complaint with the Afula police last week stating "there should be no horse races in Israel, as they unavoidably entail acts of torture and abuse that are forbidden by Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Law."