Thousands of Spanish hunting dogs, called galgos, are bred for the hunting industry every year. But once they have ‘served their purpose’ during the five-month hunting season, they are horrifically discarded. Many are tortured or killed simply because they were not fast or strong enough – or because they ‘disrespected’ their owners by not being sufficiently aggressive during the hunt.
Credit: Galgos del Sur
This is the most dangerous time of year for Spain’s exploited hunting dogs.
The selective breeding programs to find next season’s most “vicious” hunting dogs are in full swing, while this season’s “failures” are left to starve, hung to death from trees, or thrown into wells to die.
Those “lucky enough” to be “only” abandoned are left on the streets, terrified, sick, injured and starving, desperately searching for food and shelter. Our partners are racing against time to rescue as many as they can, but they are desperate for resources to save these helpless souls before it’s too late.
Starving, terrified and infected with life-threatening diseases, Mozart was rescued by our partner in the nick of time. Credit: Galgos del Sur
For abused and abandoned dogs like Mozart, our partners are a lifeline.
Mozart is one of the “lucky” ones. When our partners at Galgos del Sur spotted him, he was limping through the streets of Córdoba. His frail, hairless body was swollen from infection and malnutrition, and he barely had the strength to stand.
Having known nothing but abuse at the hands of humans, Mozart was terrified of his rescuers, flinching away from their touch. It took days to catch him, and when our team finally rescued him, they uncovered an untreated fracture, severe malnutrition, anaplasma and leishmania – all caused by his owner’s neglect and abuse.
Once in the shelter and receiving loving care, Mozart started to trust again, wagging his tail as he realized he may finally enjoy a life without pain.
There are thousands of dogs just like Mozart who need love, patience and urgent medical care. Only through the compassion of animal lovers like you can we transform fear, desperation and suffering into hope, healing and happiness.
Credit: Instagram/Rehala Adamuz
Mozart and countless others need you more than ever!
Since November, Galgos del Sur has rescued over 115 dogs — each one a survivor of unimaginable cruelty.
Credit: NFA/Dejan Radic
Any amount you can contribute to these poor animals will go a long way towards saving them from the nightmare they are living through. Here’s how your donation will help:
- $5 (£3.90) will feed a rescued dog for a day
- $15 (£11.70) will transport a dog from a cruel breeding facility to safety
- $100 (£80) will provide a rescued dog with crucial blood tests, medication and vaccinations
Together, we can fight for their survival, their safety, and a future where no hunting dog is treated as disposable.
Credit: NFA Dejan Radic
Please donate as generously as you can today.
