Supporting Plataforma NAC (No a la Caza)
Every year 60,000-100,000 Galgos and Podencos are discarded in Spain after the hunting season.
On 3rd February 2024 more than 200 people and over 100 dogs marched from the Embassy of Spain through Central London to demand an end to hunting with dogs in Spain.
Our protest was captured on film by the talented Iris Gibson :
OUR FIRST PEACEFUL PROTEST
The Invisible dogs of Spain
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.
How can you help?
You can spread the word by following and supporting the charities that work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome these dogs. There are links to Project Galgo and Hope For Podencos below. You can also donate to these charities to support their ongoing efforts.
Alternatively, if you’d like to foster or adopt a Podenco or Galgo, then there are lots of them looking for homes. They make wonderful companions and are incredibly loving, despite the tough start to life that many of them have had.
