Every February 1st, Greyhound Day is celebrated throughout Spain, a protest day to demand the end of greyhound hunting, which every February causes thousands of abandonments throughout the territory.
When the hunting season ends, animal shelters and animal shelters are overwhelmed by the massive arrival of notices, making it almost impossible to quantify the animals that are abandoned for not meeting the hunters' expectations. From Herbalist for animals We join the denunciation of animal welfare organizations about the treatment received by dogs used for hunting. Every day of the year, but especially on Greyhound Day, we want to insist that all dogs have the right to a home where they are loved and receive the care and love they truly deserve.
Hunting dogs are excluded from the animal welfare law
La Animal Welfare Law which came into force on September 29, 2023, excludes from its scope of application hunting dogs and other animals used for hunting activities. It also excludes those used in sports activities with animals protected by the Higher Sports Council (CDS) such as the sylvesterism, mushing, greyhound racing, horse riding, etc.
The controversy of this law lies in the fact that it was created to avoid the high numbers of abandonment and abuse of domestic animals in Spain, leader in europe. However, the disappointment was huge when dogs used for hunting such as greyhounds and hounds were excluded from this animal welfare law. You just need to talk to volunteers from shelters who will confirm that there are many hunting dogs and they fill the shelters year after year when the season ends. How is it possible that this law does not protect these animals and put a stop to this situation? Economic and political interests is the answer that remains up in the air...
The shelters collected 12.300 hunting dogs in 2023
In 2023, Pacma prepared a study on hunting dog abandonment data in Spain in 2022 and the results are truly overwhelming. During 2022, 12.296 hunting dogs were abandoned, of which 5.544 were greyhounds and 4.191 hounds. The remaining 2.560 were distributed among pointers, pointers, alanas and other breeds. It should be noted that these figures do not include the data related to hunting dogs collected by public administrations, so the total figure is expected to amount to 50.000 abandoned greyhounds per year.
77,3% of the entities that participated in this study stated that the average health status of the hunting breed dogs at the time of their arrival at the center was between bad and terrible. These animals needed special care and veterinary attention, medications and even ethological attention.
The costs that the reception, treatment and adoption of these dogs entail for animal protection entities are, at times, very difficult to assume. Taking into account that the majority of the protectors subsist on donations and aid that, in many cases, are not particularly numerous, attending to these cases with the dedication they deserve is not always easy. Of the 194 collaborating entities in the study, 8,2% spent less than €1.000; 31,3% spent between €1.000 and €5.000; 22,4% spent between €5.000 and €10.000; 19,1% spent more than €10.000, and the remaining 19% exceeded €30.000 in one year.
Demonstrations in defense of greyhounds and against hunting
Abuse, abandonment and sacrifices of hunting dogs that are still committed in our country mean that for more than a decade demonstrations have been organized throughout Spain and also in other European countries at the beginning of February. In 2024, the chosen date is 4 February. Spain should move forward and stop the shameful and cruel mistreatment and murder of dogs after each hunting season and that the shelters, both in our country and in other European countries, would not have to save and seek adoption for our greyhounds, hounds and purebred dogs. used for hunting.
How to help greyhounds and hunting dogs?
In addition to demonstrating against the violence carried out and reporting any type of abuse, we can help the shelters with donations and, of course, by sheltering or adopting these dogs that have suffered so much.
There are shelters dedicated solely and exclusively to greyhounds, due to the volume of abandonments suffered by dogs of this breed. One of these protectors is GreyhoundFriend, which has been fighting for the dignity of these animals for more than fifteen years and to end systematic abuse, favoring their rescue and integration into society.
Another entity dedicated to the main dog breeds affected by hunting is Galgos Catalunya, who mainly serve greyhounds and hounds.
The list is long: Galgos del Sur, Galgos del Sol, Benjamín Mehnert Foundation, Galgo Leku, Amigo Galgo, SOS Galgos, Galgos 112, Bass Galgos…
What are greyhounds like?
Although when we say greyhound, most of us think of the slender Spanish or Iberian Greyhound, about 65cm tall, there are other breeds of greyhounds such as the Afghan Hound, with long fur, the Italian Greyhound, about 45cm tall, the English Greyhound, etc Each one has its differential physical characteristics and also different temperaments.
But if we refer to the Spanish greyhound, their main characteristic is their speed (and their misfortune, at the same time) and their intelligence, since they have a great capacity to learn. However, at the same time they are also independent dogs and can be a little shy around strangers. In many cases, due to their terrible past...
Although they need daily exercise to stay fit and balanced, several 20-minute walks a day are enough for them. So it is not necessary to live in the countryside to adopt a greyhound. Of course, we recommend, at least on weekends, taking them out to open spaces where they can enjoy more. Another of their peculiarities is that greyhounds are cold. It is a breed with little body fat and short hair, so it is colder than other dogs. In addition to keeping them warm in winter, we suggest adding them to their diet nutritional supplements to strengthen their defenses in the cold season.
At home, greyhounds are very calm and silent, so much so that it is common to hear from many people: “with a greyhound, it seems like there is no dog at home.” We ourselves took in an abandoned greyhound and we can confirm that it was a delight, yes, they need a comfortable bed or they will take over your sofa 😉
Emotionally, the greyhound is a breed that does not usually enter into conflicts, in fact, at first it can sometimes be difficult for them to socialize with other dogs. However, they often carry emotional trauma, fears towards people, especially towards men. Therefore, as in any other case, put yourself in the hands of an ethology professional as soon as possible and rely on natural therapies such as Bach Flowers, Aromatherapy, Zoopharmacognosis or Shiatsu will make your emotional recovery faster.
As on other occasions, since Herbalist for animals We want to contribute to raising awareness about the importance of the physical and emotional care of animals in a natural way. Therefore, on the occasion of Greyhound Day 2024, and to make our products and natural therapies more affordable, we offer you a 5% discount with the code GALGO5 (valid until February 29, 2024).
