It’s encouraging to find some of the French associations involved in galgo rescue and campaigning now working together. After all, they are all working towards the same goal, to improve the life of the galgos and podencos in Spain.
Recently three French associations joined together in one rescue operation, to bring out the galgos of Villena, a refuge near a village of gypsies, close to Albacete. The refuge is regularly targeted by the gypsies and recently five galgos were stolen. Sadly one was found dead from heatstroke after being locked up in a small van for hours in the full sunlight.
A volunteer bravely managed to ‘repurchase’ another of the galgos from a gypsy for the sum of 50 euros. He was returned covered in ticks, with fresh woulds, and terrified. She’s lucky she didn’t get attacked.
It is in this climate of fear and anguish that the three associations, L’Europe des Levriers, (EDL), based in Paris, Appel des Levriers, based in Bordeaux and Levriers in Difficulte Midi Pyrennees decided to save the galgos of Villena, hand in the hand, as a matter of urgency, and brought out 9 galgos. All are today in safety iwith their adoptive families.
At the same time, in this rescue, EDL also placed a score of galgos and podencos in foster and permanent homes. Among them was a small podenca Carmely, 10 years old, whose spinal column was broken in two places by the blows. She lives happily today in the Vosges. Kamal also came out in this rescue. Read Kamal, King of the Galgos. Kamal coped with the journey, and today he lives with Marie-Francoise and Solenn at their home in Blois.
He is curious about everything, happy with each discovery! Kamal has an incredible thirst for life. Without assistance, he an now run and it play with the other dogs. It is very moving to see a 14 year old galgo discovering life, believe me! Admittedly, he will not live a long time, but he will have spent the last months of his life happy.
This is our revenge, a kick in the pants to the galgueros, and especially, a formidable victory over cruelty.
EDL would also like to thank Mrs. Duclos of the Opera of Bordeaux for her donation of croquettes to refuge partner Perrikus.