The tragedy of the Spanish galgo and podenco

I’ve copied this from a post on my Save the Galgo facebook page. It is written by a member of Fundacion Benjamin Mehnert. You can read my comment about it at the end.

The silent tragedy of the Spanish galgos – the current situation
Written by Gisela Mehnert, Fundación Benjamin Mehnert (FBM)

The fate of the Spanish galgos and also podencos seems to be of no interest to anyone, at least on the Only in this way can it be explained that in recent years, in which the fate of these two races receives more attention than ever before, there is no improvement in the situation This means that during the hunting season (October to the end of January in Andalusia) an unchanged high number of dogs is found in poor condition and Spain is the only eu country where hunting with galgos and podencos is still permitted.

The number of galgueros (hunters working with galgos) is estimated to be 190,000. a small minority of which is organised in the association and is therefore subject to a certain degree of control, at least as regards chips. However, what happens to the no more “capable” dogs is not controlled or controlled by the association. It’s tolerated.

It is said that in Spain there are approx. 2 million. Galgos available. There are animal laws that prohibit the abuse and ‘unjustified killing’ of animals. However, since there is hardly any control on the part of the State, it is rarely followed. After a short time, these laws have no radical effect.

The Spanish animal rights activists have already been calling for a national animal law instead of the regional laws of each comunidades.

In the Rehalas, galgos are bred en masse, mostly in the hope of the “Champion” because they spend very little money for these dogs – that usually does not even comply with the legal obligation, to vaccinate against rabies. It is not a problem for the galgueros to keep a large number of galgos and podencos in sheds, cellars and crates, to provide them for a minimum of a year and a few weeks before hunting begins, the selection is also started. They test who could be good and who’s not. This is why many of these “sorted ” dogs are left in fields or ” disposed ” immediately. The “abandoned” then run aimlessly and often panic around the area, get hit and die. In Shelters, the first victims of road accidents are already coming from September and have to be operated on. Also in many dogs the microchips are usually removed by cutting the left side of the neck before being exposed.

Official figures of the galgos and podencos suspended until the end of the hunting season are about 50.000 a year. (See my more accurate figures in the previous post.) The majority of them die nameless and without ever having experienced the positive attention of a human being. Their life was characterized by deprivation, loneliness and suffering – all to allow galgueros or gypsies to use them for their “Hobby”, chasing the hares.

From an age of 3 or 4 years, these dogs are usually no longer powerful enough for hunting and therefore “unfit”. some bitches are then used for breeding, which is the explanation for the older dogs entering the shelters are mainly females. The evidence of their numerous litters can be found on their leached bodies; they often have breast cancer. Any which are injured or injured in hunting or otherwise are disposed of immediately.

The Galgos and podencos, which can no longer be used, are thrown alive in wells, slain or chained in caves to name only some of the methods the galgueros use to dispose of them. A few lucky dogs which are picked up on fields and country roads or taken by the galgueros to perreras or contact with animal welfare shelters.

In recent years, however, some positive trends have been found.

The Spanish public is now informed more than before about the misery and nature of the galgos and podencos in their country. For the first time, many people know what happens in their country. They realize that these dogs are not hunting instruments, but sensitive, noble creatures and make wonderful family pets.

More and more Spaniards now adopt these races, which is noticeable in the larger cities on the streets.
The Spanish animal welfare party, PACMA, is in its struggle not only against bullfighting, but also against the abuse of these hounds by the population. There are frequent demonstrations in the larger cities against hunting with galgos and their use at dog races, where their situation is just as painful.

The interest in particular for galgos has risen noticeably abroad. Even through American associations, galgos and podencos find a home.

Nevertheless, it is still a central task of Spanish clubs and organisations to ensure that we finally get a national law enforcement system with strict standards and ensure compliance with this law by the State.
This is the only way in which we can at least alleviate the plight of the Spanish galgos and podencos and help the “nameless victims” who suffer

I do wish she wouldn’t say”’the situation is of no interest to anyone’…I’ve watched the movement against the hunters grow massively in the 11 years I have been involved in publicising it.. So her statement is rubbish! She also hasn’t mentioned ADDA which in the past have held seats in the Spanish parliament.
http://www.addaong.org/en/