Animal welfare for greyhounds in Spain – A silent suffering that must be heard

Sighthounds – especially Galgos and Podencos in Spain – are elegant, sensitive animals, admired for their original role as hunting and sporting dogs. But behind the grace of these dogs lies a sad reality: Every year, thousands of sighthounds in Spain are abandoned, abused, or killed.

Tradition and Tragedy

In many regions of Spain, greyhounds are used for hare hunting. During the hunting season, they are considered valuable, but as soon as the season ends, they lose their usefulness to some owners. Dogs that are not fast enough, make mistakes, or simply get too old are often subject to a cruel fate: they are abandoned, starve, end up in overcrowded animal shelters, or are even killed.

The role of animal welfare

Spanish and international animal welfare organizations are working tirelessly to make the suffering of greyhounds visible.

  • Rescue and care: Many associations take in abandoned Galgos and Podencos, provide them with medical care and give them a new home.

  • Education: Campaigns are being used to try to raise public awareness of the need for greater responsibility in dealing with animals.

  • Rehoming: Hundreds of greyhounds find loving families every year through animal welfare organizations in other European countries – including Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Why Greyhounds are special dogs

Anyone who has ever met a Galgo or Podenco knows how unique these dogs are. They are considered gentle, sensitive, and people-oriented. Despite their often difficult past, they develop great trust in their new families. With enough patience, understanding, and love, traumatized dogs become loyal companions.

What each of us can do

  • Adoption or fostering: Anyone who has the opportunity can directly help a greyhound.

  • Donations: Animal welfare organizations urgently need financial support.

  • Raising public awareness: The more people learn about the fate of the Spanish greyhounds, the greater the pressure on politics and society to bring about change.

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