Galgo Rescue

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New Law in Spain

A Black Day – March 16, 2023

On this day, the Spanish congress passed an "animal protection law" which explicitly excludes – among others – galgos as well as other hunting dogs. What a fatal signal that opens the door to further and even worse abuse – a disaster!

It is an inconceivable and nevertheless sad truth: the abuse, including sexual abuse, of an animal remains unpunished, as long as no injuries were caused (which make the consultation of a vet necessary). Furthermore, the imposition of fines instead of imprisonment is facilitated. This is happening before the eyes of the whole world in 2023 in the middle of the EU. We are deeply dismayed and wonder how sentient beings can allow and even condone such perversities.

Our Heroes in Spain

The recommended shelters on this website are shelters in Spain with which we editors have personal contact.
freethegalgo.com does not organize, initiate or facilitate adoptions. Any inquiries must go through the listed organizations themselves.

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Galgos del Sol

Galgos del Sol was founded near Murcia in 2011. The 300+ dogs live in kennel blocks with indoor and outdoor access. A vet clinic, a pool for aqua therapy, exercise areas, a quarantine and puppy block, mom with newborns block, kennels for dogs that do not adapt well to big kennel life, a sensory walk for stimulus, and an education building for school age programs were built to save the lives of many galgos. Their international volunteer program has proved a great success for socializing the dogs.

Fundación Benjamín Mehnert

FBM was founded in 2009 and offers refuge near Seville to about 700 dogs, the majority of them galgos. Most of them are victims of severe mistreatment, are abandoned, or run over. There are buildings with runs, houses with individual groups, a puppy and quarantine station, veterinary clinic with 2 surgeries and hospital, kennel, and a training room. The main aim is to draw attention to the plight of the galgos.

Tierschutz Spanien e.V.

TSS was founded in 2004; since 2009 it has been fighting the abuse and abandonment of galgos in the province of Córdoba and for a ban on hunting. The shelter offers refuge to 150 dogs, with 46 kennels of various sizes, and a spacious, partially shaded outdoor area. Among other facilities, there is a treatment room with basic veterinary equipment and hospital rooms. The construction of training and physiotherapy rooms are among the next goals.

Before / After Photos

These photos were kindly provided by the shelters Galgos del Sol, Tierschutz Spanien e.V., and Fundación Benjamín Mehnert.

  • Bottie
    Galgos del Sol
  • Bottie
    Galgos del Sol
  • Tina Turner
    Galgos del Sol
  • Tina Turner
    Galgos del Sol
  • Waffles
    Galgos del Sol
  • Waffles
    Galgos del Sol
  • Libby
    Galgos del Sol
  • Libby
    Galgos del Sol
  • Morgana
    Galgos del Sur
  • Morgana
    Galgos del Sur
  • Joey
    Galgos del Sur
  • Joey
    Galgos del Sur
  • Coloso
    Fundación Benjamín Mehnert
  • Coloso
    Fundación Benjamín Mehnert
The Tragic Plight of Galgos in Spain

The Current Situation in Spain

In the picturesque landscapes of Spain, where sangría and flamenco capture the attention of many, there exists a dark, cruel, and often overlooked reality – the pervasive abuse of galgos who are primarily used for hunting hares.

The mistreatment and torment begins with systematic breeding practices designed to produce the fastest dogs for hunting purposes. This results in overpopulation and the subsequent abandonment of those who do not meet the expectations of the hunters (galgueros).

The galgos are subjected to a range of atrocities: starvation, beatings, abandonment without food or shelter in desolate areas, hanging, burning, torture, and mass killings. Most of them have to endure inconceivable suffering at the hands of their owners. Those who are not abandoned, tormented, or killed, are very often defenselessly exposed to deplorable living conditions. They may be kept in cramped spaces, such as small cages, dark sheds, and caves – without proper shelter, social interaction, or adequate and sufficient nutrition. Shocking hygienic living conditions complete the dismal picture.

An annual hunting season in Spain extends from October to February. Once the season ends, countless galgos are deemed disposable and callously discarded. Pain and terror continue throughout the whole year, however.

Since galgos are not recognized as companion animals, they are particularly vulnerable. In March 2023, the Spanish Congress passed a new law; it offers no protection for galgos.

Individuals and organized groups are working to raise awareness and to advocate for change; they are pressuring the government to strengthen the legislation. Meanwhile, rescue organizations work to heal, rehabilitate, and find loving homes for these innocent and abused dogs who deserve respect, care, and affection.

The abuse of galgos in Spain is a dark stain on the country’s cultural heritage. Only by ending the suffering of so many noble and proud animals, can Spain truly embrace compassion and justice for its galgos.