I recently became aware of something very disturbing and I wish to share it
with Inland Trader Readers, in the hope that bringing it to their
attention, and knowing that there are many animals lovers among us, that
by doing so may create more awareness and help for the Spanish Galgo.
(Greyhound.)
Someone once told me about this type of barbarianism and in my naivety I semi
doubted it, thinking how could one be so cruel.

I thought it was a one off case I was being told about, it was so appalling.

However, since then I see that was not the case. The quantity in which these dogs die is
unbelievable. I am going to add in 2 sanctuaries web pages where you can
read and see for yourselves exactly what happens, and I pray HARD  you have
the stomach to look at the photos and videos, as it’s then and only then that you
realise YOU can do something to help.- Not ignoring or thinking you can´t do
help  because you are just one person. Just by signing the petitions they have on
ASANDA.org against hunting with Galgos, helps. You don’t even have to
leave the comfort of your computer.
I am so shocked and horrified that I think of them all the time, and so want
to help. I hope this happens to you reading this and encourages you to
research more into the life of the Galgo.
The web pages where you can get accurate information about these
crimes, is www.galgosinfronteras.org  (click on Denuncias for photos) and also www.DDEVIDA.org defensa de los derechos de la vida animal. If you don’t speak Spanish, and their website in English is not up and running, email them they will email you back in English I am sure. Please take a moment, brace yourself as the sights are
shocking,  it’s only then when the horror grips you that  you wonder what
you can do to help, follow your heart and help - adopt a Galgo, or
perhaps offer another form of help.  

The life of a Galgo is so very sad and painful. They live in
squalors, run down sheds, in the cold, the rain, no protection from the
elements and some are kept in holes in the ground to breed and they have no
space to even move around. Some are even kept in the boot of a car! If they are
lucky they get thrown a few scraps of bread, they generally starve!
They are then taken out a few times for training then thrown back into their hovels again. Many a day beaten, and when no longer useful they get hung. Yes, from a tree.

 A wire gets put round their necks and they dangle. It’s called playing the piano as their back legs touch the ground and they struggle to breathe. Beaten to pieces previously
or even while they are hanging. If they have been a good hunter they get
hung higher warranting a "quicker death" and if they have shamed their
owner, they are left to die a long and agonising death.

At the end of the hunting season, the sanctuaries receive hundreds of
Galgos. Hundreds and hundreds. These people work tirelessly to patch up,
rotten bodies weeping wounds and in some cases have to put the animal to
sleep. When you look at the pictures it’s agonising to see the state some are
received in. The vets and carers work their miracles and the dogs who
survive are re-homed. Mainly abroad, since the issue here in Spain is, the
Galgo is a hunting dog. Once upon a time the Galgo was seen as a regal dog,
but has now lost its place in society as a pet.  

We hope to adopt a Galgo. We would
have been looking for another dog in the future, but its come sooner than
expected because the Galgo found me, and I can’t stop thinking about them.
It is the least I can do, and I hope and pray one day this cruelty will end.
The Galgo actually does not need acres of land; they are very docile and
sweet. They are happy to have their walks 2 or 3 times a day, and be by your
side. They are dogs who don't bark, and perhaps that is their weakness. They
suffer in silence and so perhaps their cries go unheard.

My plea to you is this, take a moment, be brave and look at the web pages so
you become more familiar. Welcome a Galgo into your home as a pet. When
society wakes up and sees them back where they should be, in the loving
home, perhaps this will help tragedies and painful endings stop. Talk to
people, tell them to look at the web sites and continue to stay informed.
Galgos sin fronteras can tell you so much more, as can www.DDEVIDA.org - far more
than me. I am just an animal lover who has stumbled across the most
horrifying pain and agony and want to pass the word on, in hope to end this
shocking waste of life.

Very often the case is when something is too ugly to bear; society turns
away, closes its eyes and pretends they have not seen it. Something is too
ugly and offensive to publicise, but reality is this, IT HAPPENS in its
hundreds. GALGOS NEED HELP! Please don’t turn away, please look at this,
study it and act on it.

From A Galgo lover!