Help For The Hunting Dogs Of Spain

Hunting season in Spain runs from September to February. After it’s over, Charlotte del Rio, founder of 112 Carlota Galgos, says these dogs are neglected, malnourished, and suffer from diseases basic vaccinations could prevent.

Hunting season in Spain runs from September to February. After it’s over, Charlotte del Rio, founder of 112 Carlota Galgos, says these dogs are neglected, malnourished, and suffer from diseases basic vaccinations could prevent.

And what about animal protection laws? Like most countries in Europe, Spain does have them. However, when it comes to Galgos, these are rarely, if ever, implemented, in part, because they’re often not considered pets. And, Charlotte says you can’t always call the police as, “unless a microchip is found no action can be taken.” In any case the microchip, Petra says, is usually cut out. “Even with severe abuse, rescues are helpless because there are no witnesses,” she adds.

Efforts to save them exist, but need help since, as Petra explains, “Estimates by rescues in Spain say at least 50,000 Galgos are discarded annually; the number is likely higher.” The Galgos are, sadly, the worst treated canine in several countries. However, as Charlotte puts it, “Spain is the only country in Europe which still allows hunting hares with Galgos.” With all the awareness being raised, there’s hope that this will change.

Even though the law rarely acts in favor of the Galgos, associations like the ones we spoke to help rescue them — either directly from Galgueros, or from streets or hovels.

Travis and his wife were part of a Greyhound adoption group for twelve years before he read about the Galgos. In October 2012, they adopted Leena from SOS Galgos in Barcelona. After learning more about Leena’s life in Spain they decided to start an adoption group called Love Hope Believe Galgo Adoption. “Since we started, we’ve transported 140 Galgos to Chicago,” Travis says. He’s also learned photography to raise awareness.

For Petra, it began over twenty years ago, in her home country, the Netherlands — where strays and shelters are rare. Her family didn’t initially think shelter dogs were ideal with their 4-year-old son. But, as Petra says, “We saw articles about sighthounds in Spain that needed rescue. Within three months, we welcomed our first Galgo Español, and never looked back.” This Galgo was Isa, a wonderful companion with what Petra tells us was the sweetest disposition. “I became involved with the Dutch rescue organization for ten years, ending up as president. Then, ten years ago we moved (dogs included) to South Central Pennsylvania.” Of course, her rescue years were far from over. It’s here that SAGE was born.

Charlotte tells us that the plight of the Galgo was a calling she couldn’t ignore. It led her to start 112 Carlota Galgos, where, she says, “I promised I’d work to try to save and protect them. Here they come to safety, warmth, and love. Some take years to rehabilitate from the abuse. They’re a serene breed with such a purity of forgiveness, and make incredible therapy and house pets. Once you let a Galgo into your heart you’re stuck — they stay there forever! They’re the most resilient dogs I’ve ever met.”

It was similarly personal for animal lover Tina Solera, founder of Galgos del Sol, who moved to Spain with her family in 2007. Marylou tells us, “When Tina moved to Spain, she kept seeing these dogs on the side of the road. The police didn’t do anything, simply said don’t worry about it. She’s an athlete, with no background in animal rescue. Still, she couldn’t ignore their plight and began to rescue them, one by one, until there were thirteen, then rented a space to continue. Six or seven years ago, she finally bought land to start a rescue centre, which now has over 200.”

While these wonderful efforts have been largely successful, the Covid19 pandemic has been a hiccup. With several services across the world closed, Charlotte says her operation is lucky to have a clinic on-site. Many don’t have this option.

Petra tells us about unexpected problems related to rescue, and says shelters in Spain are full. “Fundación Benjamin Mehnert (FBM), one of the shelters we work with, stretched their capacity to 600 dogs, 80% of them Galgos. At SAGE too, until borders open, 18 Galgos due to travel to the US have to stay in Spain.”

Petra and Charlotte both say this means there are currently no adoptions, no volunteers, and low rations. In this current climate, it’s even more important to lend a hand.

Love Hope Believe Galgo Adoption: Adopt a Galgo if you can but if not, raise money, or donate martingale collars and large coats. Or, help escort dogs out of Spain. More: www.adoptagalgo.com

Save A Galgo Espanol (SAGE): Over the years, SAGE has been involved with rescue and support of Galgos. Financial donations help SAGE support Spanish shelters directly. You can adopt, foster, help them fly crates to Madrid, or fly back with a rescue — at no cost to you. More: www.sagehounds.com

112 CARLOTA GALGOS: 112 Carlota Galgos is a sanctuary run by Charlotte’s family where Galgos have all comfort and clinical needs met. They depend on donations and volunteers.
More: www.112carlotagalgos.com

GALGOS DEL SOL: Galgos del Sol ensures Galgos are ready for adoption. Marylou tells us that they also have educational programs. Among these, one for grade schoolers to learn about how to treat and approach Galgos. They have a robust international volunteer program and rely on volunteer help. You can also help with donations, or by raising awareness. More: www.galgodelsol.org

Travis uses photography to raise money through books, prints, and calendars. Pick up Faces of Rescue, which includes beautiful portraits of elegant Galgos rescued from Spain. He tells us, “Each portrait shows their loving personality, beauty, and past and is accompanied by a story about the dog from their adoptive family.” Pick it up: www.blurb.com/user/patenaudet