On Saturday January 31st and Sunday February 1st, hundreds of people and their dogs will take part in peaceful protests across the UK, demanding an end to the abuse, abandonment and killing of up to 100,000 hunting dogs each year in Spain, campaigners explain.
The protests, taking place in Exeter, Glasgow, Manchester and London, coincide with the end of the Spanish hunting season, when up to 100,000 dogs ––primarily Galgos and Podencos—are abandoned or killed each year, often in ways intended to prolong suffering.
The end of the hunting season on February 1st marks the time when dogs deemed unfit for hunting are discarded. Many of these dogs are treated with extreme cruelty during their lifetime, and the methods used to kill unwanted dogs are especially brutal, often designed to extend their suffering.
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In 2023, despite hopes for progress, the Spanish Parliament excluded hunting dogs from Spain’s new animal welfare law – ironically one of the most progressive in Europe. By classifying these dogs as “tools” rather than animals in need of protection, the government effectively sanctioned their mistreatment.
In response, Free Spanish Hounds, a UK-based volunteer organisation, was formed in summer of 2023 to raise awareness, bring meaningful legal protection for the animals used in the industry and stand in solidarity with the Spanish advocacy group.
The UK marches are part of a coordinated effort with similar peaceful protests, that take place in 45 cities in Spain and 35 others across Europe, amplifying the voices of those fighting to end this barbaric practice.
Teresa Rodríguez, who organises NAC’s international protests said: “Every February, tens of thousands of dogs are treated as disposable. Our message is simple: these dogs are not ‘tools’, they are living beings who deserve protection under the law. By mobilising internationally, we’re urging visitors to Spain to speak out against these cruel practices and create diplomatic pressure on the Spanish administration.”
She added: “Awareness is growing among Spanish citizens, but many politicians still put tradition and business interests ahead of animal welfare. With international support, including the peaceful protests in the UK and across Europe, we will keep pushing until there is real, enforceable protection for these dogs.”
Adva Shimshy, one of the founders of Free Spanish Hounds, said: “Now in their third year, our peaceful protests are expanding as we continue raising awareness of the suffering of Spanish hunting dogs which continues in plain sight. We will stand with campaigners in Spain for as long as it takes until Galgos and Podencos are finally given the legal protection they deserve and desperately need.”
This article was supplied by Free Spanish Hounds. They are a UK-based volunteer organisation which supports Mismos Perros, Mismos Derechos (Same Dogs, Same Rights) — a campaign fighting for equal legal protection for all dogs in Spain. To learn more and join one of the peaceful protests, visit www.freespanishhounds.co.uk
