Spanish greyhounds, or galgos, are among the most abused dogs in the world. Every year, when the hunting season ends, rescue organizations estimate that as many as 100,000 galgos and other Spanish hunting dogs are abandoned or brutally killed.
Hanged from trees, thrown into rivers to drown, or dumped on roadsides and left to starve – this is the cruel fate of Spain’s hunting dogs.
Galgos are bred to course hares for hunters. The hunting season has begun, and for the next three months, these dogs will be run until they win, or until they can no longer keep up.
Each year, Spain’s hunting dogs face unimaginable cruelty when they are abandoned and left for dead. Some are even stuffed into sacks and thrown into rivers. Source: Supplied
When the season ends in February those deemed too slow, too injured or too old will be ruthlessly discarded or disposed of. Some are left in derelict buildings. Others are tied to fences and left to die. Most are never found.
Even when Spain finally passed a national animal welfare law in 2023, hunting dogs were excluded. A family’s pet is protected by that law. A hunter’s galgo is not.
Recently, our partner shelter alerted us to a shocking situation.
Three galgos were beaten, tied up, stuffed into sacks and thrown into a river in Seville to drown. Tragically, two of the dogs died. The third dog, Gaby, survived after being discovered by a 13-year-old boy who was passing by on his bicycle and noticed the dog’s muzzle emerging from the water.
Gaby was rescued by our partner and the team is involved in the legal proceedings seeking justice for her and her fallen friends. For her continued safety, we cannot mention where Gaby is to protect her from the hunter that tried to kill her. But she desperately needs food, veterinary treatment, safe shelter and time to learn to trust again.
Our partner is running out of money to help abused galgos.
Our partner has rescued and treated countless abused galgos but they are running out of money. We need your help to keep this life-saving work going. Source: Supplied
Just as more abused and abandoned galgos than ever will need help once the hunting season ends, our partner owes its veterinary practice approximately $23,300 (£17,600).
The vet has carried the debt for months out of sheer goodwill, but it has now reached the point where it can no longer treat rescued dogs without payment. If that door closes, the rescues stop, and the next Gaby thrown into a river to drown will stay there.
Please help settle the veterinary bill and keep this life-saving work going.
Your donation can provide abused galgos with food, a safe place to sleep and the treatment they desperately need. It can help give them the second chance they deserve – and ensure that more dogs in desperate situations are not left to suffer alone.
Gaby is alive today because someone was willing to help her. Now we must make sure Gaby continues to receive the care and justice she deserves while we keep the door open for the next dogs who need rescuing.
