As always, searching on the Internet for news about galgos, I found the following letter on Inland Trader, a Spanish website. I have their permission to reprint it in Galgo News.
The Spanish Galgo has to be one of the worst treated animals in Spain.
It’s time to make a stand and say we “animal lovers” have a voice on their behalf, and we’re here to help and fight to stop this cruelty. While the Galgos brothers and sisters in other countries struggle as a breed, it’s by far the Spanish Galgo who suffers a brutal life and the cruellest death.
The Spanish Galgo is kept in the most horrendous conditions imaginable.
If a Galgo falls into the hands of a “hunter” its fate more often than not is decided before it’s started.
Once it has been used, it is killed. Always there are more up and coming. They can be kept in derelict buildings, below ground level in holes – to only be taken out to hunt or what is termed as training.
Galgos are renowned for not barking, serene and proud throughout a life of turmoil and pain. Perhaps this works against them as they suffer in silence. They are fed when owners remember a few crumbs of stale bread. The tragedies are in the thousands. Many are left to life on the street, (until someone decides they are tired of a stray hanging around and takes matters into their own hands) others are burnt alive, HUNG from trees, an agonizing death – dumped in wells or lakes or beaten and abused.
From the moment I came across the life of a Galgo, I have not stopped writing about it. It’s cruel in the cruellest of ways. “Man’s best friend is being let down by man.”
MY APPEAL:
What I am appealing for is help in raising awareness. It’s not all bad, there are some societies (mentioned below) who work tirelessly in the countryside, taking in Galgos who have been found hanging from a tree or when a Galgo is reported as abandoned. They heal their bodies and souls and then re-home them.
I dedicate every letter I write, every appeal I make to these special people.
In order to show the societies we are behind them, I am looking for help. Help in raising awareness help in any way possible. Below is a list of examples that people can do. For further information please do not hesitate to contact me at comdelrio@hotmail.com. Should you write directly to the shelters please link me a copy, so I can follow up on the success. I know animal lovers won’t sit back and let this continue.
HOW TO HELP:
1. Make a donation to any of the rescues societies
2. Adoption, by far the most rewarding gift to a Galgo, is a loving family.
3. Sign the www.ASANDA.org form (petition against hunting with Galgos). A law has to be passed against this cruelty.
4. If you saw, these precious dogs are thin beyond thin when they are rescued; they need coats for the winter. A coat pattern is available on the Greyhounds in Need website
5. Tell all your friends about this- get the word out.
6. Contact the societies if you see abuse to Galgos
7. Look on the web pages of the societies for further information and pictures.(distressing photos)
8. If anyone works for a radio station or TV and can offer us space for an appeal please contact me.
I know the shelters will be grateful for all your help. For me, soon to adopt a Galgo, I know I will be proud to walk my Galgo down the street. They make the most loving pets, loyal and noble. I pray hard we can help them, all of us together!
Thank you so very much.
Dedicated to all the societies, the people helping and the Galgos themselves. May you the Galgo rise up in society to become a household pet once again!
Carlota del Rio.
A galgo lover!
I can be contacted on the following email: comdelrio@hotmail.com
Galgo rescue web pages:-
www.ddevida.org
www.galgosinfronteras.org
www.sosgalgos.com
www.scoobymedina.com
www.galgorescue.org (G.R.I.N)