Día del Galgo
On February 1st, the Día del Galgo is celebrated, the worldwide day of the Galgos, which marks the end of the hunting season and draws attention to the plight of hunting dogs in Spain. Galgos, podencos and other hunting dogs are mainly used for rummaging and chasing. During the hunting season from October to January, many of these dogs live in overcrowded, dark sheds from which they are only let out at weekends when they are needed for hunting. Most of the time they spend locked up and neglected. Their “training” takes place under extreme conditions, for example by tethering them to cars, trucks or motorcycles behind which they have to run at high speed. To harden their paws, they are dipped in vinegar water, which is extremely painful for the animals as the acid penetrates the often cracked skin of the pads. Some hunters also deliberately expose their dogs to hunger in order to increase their hunting instinct.
At the end of the hunting season, many galgos are cruelly disposed of by the so-called galgueros – the hunters. Every year, an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 hunting dogs are killed or simply abandoned and left to their fate.
The Spanish Animal Welfare Act explicitly excludes so-called working dogs, i.e. dogs used for hunting, guarding or herding.
The uncontrolled reproduction of galgos and their subsequent mass disposal leads to a large number of hungry and sick dogs. The galgo marches, which take place worldwide at the end of the hunting season, draw attention to this incredible suffering. Animal rights activists in Spain are receiving support from all over Europe, raising hopes of increasing pressure on the Spanish government and securing a better future for the animals.
In Spain, numerous animal welfare organizations are committed to rescuing as many galgos and podencos as possible and finding them new homes. Hunting dogs and greyhounds are wonderful dogs. Although they are not considered pets or family members by hunters, they are loyal and loving companions. At home they are calm and cuddly, while outside they impress with their athletic streak and excellent nose. Anyone who has ever seen a happy Galgo playing and running knows how infectious the happiness of these animals is.
If you are interested in Galgo, Podenco or other hunting dogs or would like to find out more about these dogs that are currently looking for a home, you can find out more here:
Our Galgos
Bambu, Bambu, Beauty, Beka, Berta, Casio, Daria, Estela, Farret, Flecha, Gimeno, Julia, Kobe, Lagartija, Ligero, Nessi, Pepperoni, Teo und Tiger.
Our Podencos
Abel, Andreu, Anubis, Azucena, Baloo, Bayu, Benji, Blanqui, Boton, Brenda, Canela, Canelo, Carlota, Castor, Copy, Cristy, Dexter, Elsa, Felipe, Felix, Flippy, Fosca, Ganesh, Hada, India, Issa, Jamilo, Jazz, Joe, Juanjo, Julieta, Kimi, Laica, Leonor, Less, Louis, Lovely, Lua, Lucas, Lucas, Luz, Lyla, Maggie, Malik, Malte, Mango, Manolito, Merme, Mila, Montor, Naila, Nebula, Nefer, Nieve, Ninolo, Noori, Ornella, Peanut, Pepe, Pollux, Ricardo, Ringo, Rusa, Santi, Socks, Talia, Ulises.
Other hunting dogs
Alfie, Arthur, Bolt, Bruno, Chase, Coda, Danko, Gwen, Jaca, Anton/Jojo, Kapi, Keke, Linda, Lito, Pi, Platero, Ray, Smocky, Tana, Waldo und Zorba.
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