World Galgo Day
Thank you to everyone who is raising their voice against this cruelty to animals!
The suffering of galgos – an incessant topic
This is not the first time we have reported on the cruel fate of Spanish greyhounds. But the immeasurable suffering of the Galgos cannot be addressed often enough. On 1 February, the world commemorates the fast hunting dogs that are used in Spain for hunts, especially for hares. This form of hunting, “Caza con Galgo“, is a traditional pastime that is practised in winter in particular.
Hunting as a symbol of status and prestige
In many regions of Spain, hunting with galgos is seen as a symbol of status and prestige. In rural areas in particular, it is a custom that spans generations. Many hunters breed galgos specifically for hunting. One could be forgiven for thinking that this is how they develop a deep, intimate bond with their dogs. However, the initial appreciation at the start of the hunting season gives way to even greater resentment if the dogs “fail”.
The cruel fate after the hunting season
As soon as the hunting season ends – at the end of January – thousands of galgos are “sorted out”. Many of them suffer cruel fates. Some are thrown alive into wells or dumped in rivers. Others starve to death in abandoned buildings or are simply abandoned. One particularly cruel method is to hang the dogs.
The legal grey area in Spain
If you are wondering how such atrocities are possible, you need to take a look at Spanish legislation. Spain is currently the only EU country where hunting galgos is still legal. On 16 March 2023, the Spanish Congress in Madrid passed a new animal welfare law – but galgos are exempt from this law. By law, they are classed as “hunting and working dogs” and therefore as farm animals. This means that mistreatment or inadequate care cannot be reported and appropriate penalties cannot be imposed.
The power of the hunting lobby
The lack of legal consequences for the brutal mistreatment of galgos is closely linked to the powerful hunting lobby in Spain. This lobby has managed to ensure that galgos are exempt from the new animal welfare law. To counter this, numerous organisations are now working together to protect the galgos – including Gut Aiderbichl.
Together against injustice – The information centre
Gut Aiderbichl has joined this movement, because only with a united, public voice can a change in thinking be brought about. The only way to bring about lasting change is to raise awareness that galgos are sentient beings who, like humans, feel pain and suffering. The younger generation in particular plays a key role in this, as children and young people can change our world without remaining stuck in old ways of thinking.
Therefore, together with Tierschutz Spanien e.V. under the direction of Gudrun Sauter, we are founding an information centre with a rescue centre in Spain. The aim is to educate children and young people in particular about the injustice against galgos and bring them into contact with the rescued animals.
Thank you to everyone who is involved
We would like to thank all the people who are also raising their voices for the rights of Spanish greyhounds and fighting against this cruelty to animals. Not just on World Galgo Day, but every day of the year.
