Podencos and Galgos are the two main breeds that are used for hunting in Spain, although others suffer to at the hands of this Spanish tradition. Podencos and Galgos are often referred to as ‘Invisible Dogs’ or ‘The Great Forgotten’. Sadly, they are the most abused dogs in Spain. Bred to hunt and kept in squalid conditions, often chained - these ‘working dogs’ are not protected by Spanish law.

In 2023, there was an overhaul to the Spanish animal rights laws but devastatingly hunting dogs were excluded from these rights as they are viewed as tools and therefore not protected. It can be difficult to imagine the suffering they endure, hidden from view.

At the end of the hunting season, they are dumped, tortured or killed in their thousands. This barbaric practice needs to stop and we encourage you to lend your voice to these dogs.

Watch ‘Yo Galgo’, an award-winning documentary by filmmaker Yeray Lopez. The film sheds light on the cruel, inhumane practices of modern-day hunters who have reduced an entire dog breed to a short-lived commodity. It also features organisations striving to help the ever-growing population of abandoned dogs.