SOS GALGOS BLOG

2011-12-14T10:37:00.001+01:00

N-JOY MARKET BCN:
Saturday 17th December 12pm-9pm

Come and do your last minute Christmas shopping in Barcelona with your galgos! A Christmas market with a difference: in addition to stalls with plenty of ideas for present, there will be music, drinks and a great atmosphere. There will also be a raffle, the proceeds of which will go to SOS Galgos. For full details, click on the poster below:

COMING SOON

2011-12-01T11:25:00.000+01:00

We'll soon be launching our brand new website

We are delighted to annouce that we have a new website in the making thanks to Richard Browse who has very kindly lent his expert skills in graphic design, photography and art direction to SOS Galgos. The site has a completely new look: clean, clear, informative and easy to navigate. We are extremely grateful to Richard for the sleek design and structure of the site which will generate interest from adopters old and new, raise awareness from the public and inspire people to become members or make a donation to help improve the lives of Spanish galgos. Multi-talented Richard also produced the moving video of Lolita which can be viewed in the "Noticias" section of the site.We'll let you know when the site online and Browsable!

Initially the site will be launched in Spanish but the English language version will follow.

GALGO OWNERS PROTEST

2011-11-21T11:19:00.000+01:00

There’s a growing protest movement in Spain against the cruelty inflicted upon galgos. On the second Sunday of every month, people gather in front of their local town hall from 5pm to 6pm to protest against the mass abandonment of galgos and their poor welfare in general. Both protesters and galgos bear banners denouncing the lack of interest from the authorities and demanding action. The most active protesters come from areas where the problem is endemic such as Toledo and Seville. News of the protest meetings can be followed on SOS Galgos' Facebook page.

SOS GALGOS CALENDAR 2012

2011-10-24T11:29:00.000+02:00

We are happy to announce that the 2012 SOS Galgos Calendar is now on sale. We are very grateful to Elke Winkler in Germany for the design and to our member, Nieves Chueca, for her stunning sketches. Her drawings were inspired by her recently adopted senior galga, Lili, who has many more happy years ahead of her with Nieves.

The calendar costs 10 euros plus postage, if you wish to buy one (or more!), please write to us at tienda@sosgalgos.com and we will get in touch.

Every little gesture helps a galgo in need start a new life.

CAN YOU LET LETICIA INTO YOUR LIFE?

2011-10-14T13:07:00.000+02:00

Leticia is currently in fostercare with Pablo in Toledo. Despite a few superficial wounds, she is in good shape, but what she really needs a permanent home so that she can settle and gain confidence. Many galgos have had such a traumatic time, both during their hunting lives and their subsequent abandonment, that they suppress their natural behaviours through fear. They can seem quite apathetic and introverted when they are first rescued as they are afraid to express themselves. The process of settling in and adapting can be lengthy but eventually they gain enough confidence to let their true, playful characters shine through! Can you help Leticia come out of her shell with gentle treatment, kindness and understanding?

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT CALLS ON SPAIN TO IMPROVE GALGO WELFARE

2011-10-14T11:31:00.000+02:00

We hope pressure from Members of the European Parliament will cause Spain to take action against the incomprehensible cruelty inflicted upon galgos through Spain. The following article was published in Spanish newspaper ‘El Mundo’ on 5^th October 2011.

The European Parliament seeks answers from Spain regarding cruelty to galgos

Several Members of European Parliament have written to Zapatero asking for a stricter legal framework to prevent cruelty to these animals

ANTONIO GONZÁLEZ Madrid 05/10/2011 16:49

Galgo abandoned in Olivenza (Badajoz) EL GUADIANA Y LA TRAILLA

The cruelty inflicted upon galgos in many regions of Spain is of great concern within Europe. This concern was expressed in a letter to José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero from three Members of European Parliament, including the European Parliament’s President of the Intergroup on Animal Welfare, Carl Schlyter.

The letter, signed by Schlyter and two other members of European Parliament, Kartika Tamara Liotard and Raül Romeva, states that “members of the public, as well as many associations, have informed us about many cases of abuse and outright cruelty. Galgos are found severely beaten, burned alive, doused with acid, dumped in wells, tied down in caves and left to die, hanged or tortured in other ways.”

The letter recognises that Spain has improved its animal welfare laws by condemning animal cruelty under Article 337 of Spanish Penal Code, however it warns that “it appears that only a very small number of cruelty cases end up in court, even if Seprona, the environmental arm of the Guardia Civil, has made the case”.

The letter, the original of which can be found on the galgo welfare blog El Guadiana y la Traílla, refers to the Treaty of Lisbon which states that animals are sentient beings, reminding Zapatero that each member state must pay full regard to the welfare requirements of its animals and that Spain must enforce its animal protection laws and put an end to these cruelties. The European MPs recognize that cultural traditions of member states should be respected but “must not be an excuse for these kinds of atrocities towards living beings”. They request an urgent response from the Spanish government.

A universal Animal Protection Law remains to be approved as part of Spain’s legislation. The initiative was requested by Joan Herrera, then MP for ‘Iniciativa per Catalunya Verds’, under an agreement with the Commission for the Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries that was reached on 30^th September 2009.

The aim of the law was “to make progress in animal welfare”, but it did not win many votes as the majority of power lies in the hands of the various autonomous community governments in Spain. In any case, the results put an end to hopes of the law being approved as part of national legislation.

* * * * * * *

The original letter:

CHARLIE on the road to recovery

2011-09-16T13:10:00.000+02:00

Charlie was found wandering the streets of Seville in July in a very sorry state. He was rescued by Barbara and her partner who got in touch with us. Thanks to them and the Clinica Ronda Capuchinos in Seville, Charlie has made a dramatic improvement as can be seen in the photos which speak for themselves.

He has a wonderful character and interacts well with people, dogs and cats. He now needs a forever home.

Shades of Greyhounds

2011-08-05T10:51:00.001+02:00

Hopkinton hosts annual welfare conference

By Kathy Uek/Daily News staff

The MetroWest Daily News

They're couch potatoes - laid back and gentle.

"They're sprinters, and after they run they want to rest on the sofa," said Diane Durnell of Fort Wayne, Ind.

But many greyhounds, easily recognized by their lean frames, long, slender legs and slightly arched necks, are bred for racing not sprinting.

Advocates around the world, concerned about the suffering and slaughtering of greyhounds after their racing days end, met Saturday and yesterday for the fifth annual International Greyhound Welfare Conference.

The American-European Greyhound Alliance and the local Greyhound Friends Inc. hosted the event in Hopkinton, where representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain and Canada spoke to a crowd of about 50.

Speakers discussed the decline of greyhound racing in the U.S. and U.K. - as it relates to the welfare of the dogs after their racing days are over - and the perils that greyhounds continue to face around the world, including the recently defeated plans for Irish racing dogs to be exported to China and concerns about the expansion of racing in Asia and South America.

The greyhound organizations' collective goal is to place greyhounds in caring homes.

After a 2008 Massachusetts referendum passed to end greyhound racing, many dogs were sent to West Virginia and Florida, said Louise Coleman, founder of Greyhound Friends.

With movement in Florida's legislature to close some of the 13 dog tracks and invest in more cost-effective poker rooms, Coleman said she worries what will happen if no provisions are made for the greyhounds.

"I would like to have the legislation include a language provision for the care of the dogs," she said.

Elsewhere in the U.S., some dogs are bred as fast-running "lurchers" - a hound/greyhound mix specifically intended for racing in the Midwest. The dogs chase a raccoon, which is tied to a boat, across a body of water, said Michele Scott of Indiana.

"But if the lurchers don't perform, they are tied to trees, abandoned or dumped in shelters," said Scott, who wants the dogs to go to loving homes.

In Spain, where there are 150,000 registered hunters, residents place their bets on greyhounds, known as galgos, in a sport called "hare coursing."

After three years of racing, the dogs are abandoned, hung on trees or drowned in wells, said Irene Blanquez, a resident of Barcelona, Spain, and a member of Save our Spanish Galgos.

Sosgalgos.com rescues the dogs, pays for medical expenses and tries to find foster homes for them.

Fearing those who oppose rescues, the efforts are done secretly in Spain, where there are about 500,000 registered racing dogs. Despite death threats, rescuers save about 350 greyhounds every year.

In Spain, galgos are not seen as pets.

"They are seen as working dogs," Blanquez said.

In Ireland, Greyhound Action Ireland also wants the racing to stop. Ireland also breeds lurchers.

"The dogs are bred to die," said Bernie Wright, who represents Greyhound Action Ireland.

When the dogs underperform, they are often found shot in the head, their ear tattoos burned off with acid to remove their identifying markings.

"Thousands die," Wright said.

Before the recession began, 75 percent of the dogs were sent to England. But since the recession began and demand decreased, a plan was proposed to ship greyhounds off to race in China.

But with racing no longer subsidized by a tax, the future of greyhounds in Ireland looks brighter.

"I'm optimistic. The tax going away is a good thing," Wright said.

In the long term, Coleman said she worries what will happen to the greyhound breed.

"They're mellow, sweet, good-natured, comical and one of the oldest breeds of dogs."

(Kathy Uek can be reached at 508-626-4419 or kuek@wickedlocal.com.)

International Greyhound Welfare Conference in Massachusetts

2011-08-01T12:11:00.000+02:00

The 5th Annual International Greyhound Welfare Conference took place in Hopkinton, Massachusetts this weekend focussing on on welfare and adoption issues concerning racing greyhounds, galgos, lurchers and other crosses.

Topics discussed:

The current state of greyhounds and greyhound crosses in the American Mid-West, Ireland and Spain.
Advocate concerns about greyhounds as a breed since racing is in decline.
The consequences of breeding track dogs with hunting dogs.
The future of greyhound adoption and protection issues.
The recently defeated plans for Irish racing greyhounds to be exported to China.
Concerns about the expansion of racing to Asia and South America.

Louise Coleman and John Mottern facilitated the event.

With the following presenters:

* Irene Blanquez, SOS Galgos, Barcelona
* Michael McCann, The Greyhound Project
* Mary Organ, Animal Advocate, Waterford, Ireland
* Dr. Rod Poling, Holliston Animal Hospital
* Michele Scott, All Star Greyhounds, Indiana
* Diane Ward, Scooby North America (representing Scooby Medina, Spain)
* Jennifer Watkins, Shamrock Greyhound Placement of Kentucky
* Bernie Wright, Animal Advocate, Dublin

We will be posting photos of the event shortly.

A big thank you

2011-08-01T11:09:00.000+02:00

We are very greytful to Greyhound Supporters of the NCR for their generous donations of coats, collars and leads over the years. Thanks to Laura and the team in Canada, the galgos we rescue are kept warm in winter and safe when out on walks.

A new future in France

2011-07-29T11:43:00.000+02:00

Anna Clements and Albert Sordé drove five galgos to Toulouse this weekend, two of whom went to their definitive homes and three into fostercare. Carol, Bueno, Bruno, Elvis and Caramelo can all look forward to a new life in France. We'll soon be posting a link to the video of their journey. on the blog.

SOMBRA SHALL GO TO THE BALL

2011-07-28T12:25:00.000+02:00

Sombra was the guest of honour at Toriki's wedding and, as you can see from the photo, both looked stunning . Toriki is the niece of Lola Bustillo who is a keen supporter of our cause.

We are very grateful to the Bustillos for taking the opportunity to show how a galgo is another member of the family in these beautiful photos. Thanks also go to the designers 'Los Pepes' who are always helping us out and who not only dressed the bride but Sombra too, designing a special collar for the occasion.

DO YOU WANT TO ADOPT RICHIE?

2011-07-27T12:18:00.000+02:00

Richie is a wonderfully affectionate galgo who was found in Teruel with a broken back leg. We were told that his owner had abandoned him when he broke his leg and he had gone a year with the leg untreated. As you can see from the photo, the break had consolidated very badly. The traumatologist Xavier Totusaus, who kindly reduces his fees to help galgos in need, spent 3 hours operating on Richie’s leg. It was a very complicated operation as a nerve and surrounding blood vessels were trapped in the bone that had fused together.

We hope that Richie re-gains full use of his leg and that he finds a family that will treat him with as much love and affection as he has to give.

BUENO EN FRANCE!

2011-07-16T11:28:00.000+02:00

Bueno was caught in a trap in a village near Seville called Valencina. He was found by Jose Luis who immediately called the local police. They proceeded to release the galgo and take photos of the scene with a view to prosecution as laying traps is an illegal practice. Bueno was transported to Veterinos clinic in Sant Cugat where the staff took great care of him, dressing and treating his wound daily. We're very grateful to Jose Luis and his family for rescuing him and for looking after him until he could be sent to us in Barcelona. We'd also like to thank Veterinos and all those who donate their time, effort and money to help galgos like Bueno. He is now in foster care in France where our colleagues at Le Relais des VIP Off Courses are seeking the perfect forever family for him.

FOUR GALGOS, FOUR STORIES

2011-07-11T12:42:00.000+02:00

The following galgos were found injured and urgently needed SOS GALGOS' help.

1. Blanca
Blanca is a lively, young galga who was found in Almeria with a broken leg. She underwent surgery and was fitted with external fixators. As soon as she has recovered and the fixators removed, she will be adopted by one of our members who has two other dogs and a big garden.

2. Gabo
This beautiful, black galgo also needed external fixation of his leg which was broken when he was run over twice in Jerez. Once he recovers from his leg injury, he will be go to live with his forever family and their golden retriever in Esplugas.

3. Lola
Another injured galga, she was fitted with a prosthesis to mend her broken leg. Once it was removed, she was spayed and is now ready to travel to France for adoption.

4. Shiva
She was founded abandoned in Seville and needed a plate to be surgically inserted in her leg.

PLAN TO EXPORT IRISH GREYHOUNDS TO CHINA BLOCKED

2011-07-10T13:49:00.000+02:00

The Irish Greyhound Board's plan to export greyhounds to Chinese racetracks was blocked by the Department of Agriculture in May of this year. The proposal to send racing dogs to a country where animal welfare standards are notoriously low caused widespread alarm amongst animal protection groups, including SOS Galgos. Director Anna Clements travelled from Barcelona to Dublin in April to join representatives of other greyhound rescue associations from around the world to protest against this cruel injustice to greyhounds. The agreement would have been a "business opportunity" for the Irish Greyhound Board with no regard for the welfare of greyhounds, abandoned to their fate in a country that routinely kills dogs and cats for their fur and meat. Whilst on this occasion protests were successful, greyhound defence groups must continue their fight to protect greyhounds' rights within an industry that capitalises on the greyhound's speed at the expense of its welfare.

PROGRESS: BULLFIGHTING BANNED IN CATALONIA

2010-08-01T11:15:00.000+02:00

After months of petition signing and campaigning, the Catalan parliament voted against this cruel spectacle that has no place in contemporary Spain. This is an important step forward in animal welfare in Catalonia, let's hope that the rest of Spain follows by their example. The ban will be implemented as of January 2012 when Barcelona's last remaining bullring will be closed.

Whilst one barbaric tradition has been eradicated in Catalonia, the struggle for animal rights is by no means over as the practice of the "correbous" is widespread during local festivities in the south of Tarragona. Literally translated as the "bullrun", the 'sport' involves setting light to the cloth tied round a bull's horns, making it flee in terror of the fire. The villagers chase after the tortured bull which runs until it is exhausted or ends up jumping in the sea. Supporters of this inhumane practice justify its existence by the fact it is centuries old and the bull is not killed in the process but how can that justify inflicting terror and torment upon a sentient being in the name of 'fun'. Political and social pressure needs to continue until this cruel practice is outlawed along with bullfighting.

Sign the petition to stop cruelty to Spanish Greyhounds (Galgos)

2010-02-22T16:52:00.000+01:00

PLEASE take few minutes and sign this petition to put pressure on the Spanish government and forward widely to go to get the long way as soon as possible to the 5000 target - hopefully many more.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/18/stop-cruelty-to-spanish-greyhounds-galgos

PETITION DETAILS

Stop cruelty to Spanish greyhounds (galgos)

Target: Don Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, President of the Spanish Government & the Council of Europe,

Sponsored by: Greyhounds in Need

You will find below the text of a Petition, initiated by Greyhounds in Need (GIN), addressed to the Spanish Government. It is especially important to bring this terrible cruelty to the fore at this time when Spain holds the Presidency of the Council of Europe.

The Treaties that form the European Community do not currently cover animal welfare so European-wide legislation is not possible and only the Spanish government can legislate to end the barbaric treatment of greyhounds in Spain.

Please add your signature to this Petition, before 30th April, 2010, so that we can show how widespread is European public concern.

Thank you,

Greyhounds in Need
33 High Street
Wraysbury
Middlesex TW19 5DA (UK)

Email: info@greyhoundsinneed.co.uk

Website: http://www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk/

To: Don Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Presidente del Gobierno de Espana

We, the undersigned, address this petition to the Spanish Government during Spain's Presidency of the Council of Europe. This petition is sponsored by Greyhounds in Need, an English registered charity devoted to the rescue, treatment and rehoming of Galgos Españoles, the native greyhounds used in Spain for hunting.

It is very well known in Spain and abroad that these dogs are routinely abandoned or killed by their owners at the end of their first hunting season. Such killing is sometimes carried out by extremely inhumane methods including hanging and is often accompanied by mutilation including branding and other forms of physical injury. Many galgos are simply abandoned, having been neglected, or have obviously been mutilated to disguise their identity. The welfare groups in Spain, which are signatories to this petition, have ample recent evidence that these barbaric practices continue unabated. Concerned people in Spain estimate that over 50,000 galgos are killed or abandoned each year.

As a measure of the size of this problem, we would inform you that Greyhounds in Need alone spends some Euros 130,000 each year on its work in Spain and in rehoming elsewhere, dealing with only a small fraction of the galgos abandoned. To this must be added the considerable sums expended by the many rehoming groups in the UK and other European countries, and the Spanish refuges who help export galgos.

We call on the Government of Spain, during its term of office in the Presidency of the European Union, to enact and enforce humanitarian legislation to protect the galgos of Spain from such barbaric treatment. This would help bring Spain to its rightful position alongside other European nations in according proper standards of protection to its animal population. It would also free foreign charities from the burden of coping with the results of this lack of protection.

This plea is supported by many Spanish citizens and organizations, who fervently wish to see their great nation giving proper respect and humanity to these suffering creatures.

Blind Galgo looking for a Foster home/ Permanent Home

2009-12-13T12:30:00.000+01:00

The rescue event of this abandoned 3- year old male galgo in Andalusia has given us a lot of surprises. Not only was he involved in a collision in a roundabout from where he was found causing him a loss of a couple of teeth, but luckily had no other impact on him. Later on we found out that he was having difficulties to see and this condition and its severity was thoroughly checked in Clínica Estoril in Madrid by ophthalmologist Alberto Baró confirming the diagnosis of blindness.

Thank you Edu and Mari for rescuing him and keeping him in your house till he was taken to Madrid. We would also like to thank Carmen Urbano for organizing his travel arrangements and his temporary foster home in the loving care of Mercedes in Madrid who also wholeheartedly deserves our gratitude for allowing him to stay until a new home is found. Likewise all our warmest wishes go to all our members and donors without whom this poor galgo wouldn't have had a chance. Because of you he now does have a chance of finding a home for the rest of his life. Even if you cannot re-home him for good, please foster him until we have managed to find him his dream home who understands the needs of a blind dog. He is waiting for you to get in touch with us!

SOS GALGOS ON US NEWS

2009-12-10T13:46:00.000+01:00

The Ivanhoe Broadcast News team, specialized in news from around the world, travelled to Barcelona last October and heard about SOS Galgos through the internet, coinciding with the rescue of greyhounds Gilbert and Teo. They were shocked to hear about the cruelty inflicted on the Spanish galgos and decided to do a news report on the subject, viewed by 54 million households on several local tv stations around the US. We hope that the generosity given by Ivanhoe's team Marsha, David, Marjorie, Kim and Sue will lead to a commitment from the Spanish authorities in order to react to this shameful problem for Spain and will mean that more people will help the Spanish greyhounds.

Watch SOS Galgos on Arklatex News

Watch SOS Galgos on Austin News

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU CAN HELP US TRANSLATE OUR WEBSITE INTO ENGLISH

SOS GALGOS RECEIVES A WARM WELCOME IN MONACO

2009-12-10T13:30:00.000+01:00

SOS GALGOS was guest of honour at the Blessing of the Animals at Monaco Cathedral, an event which takes place every year all round the world in remembrance of St Francis' love of animals

SOS GALGOS was guest of honour together with SAVE THE DOGS (from Rumania at the event which took place on 3^rd June and was attended by Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Antonetta, SOS GALGOS had a stand in front of the cathedral where three abandoned Spanish greyhounds acted as ambassadors for the thousands of greyhounds that suffer abuse and cruelty in Spain every year.

Present at this important event were Carmen Urbano (President of SOS GALGOS), Anna Clements, (Director), Mireia Costa (Secretary), Silvia Puig and Lola Bustillo (volunteers) to form a great team, informing attendees of the plight of greyhounds in Spain and the indifference of the Spanish and European authorities in the face of such abuse. (Read more...)

From left to right: Anna Clements, Mireia Costa, Carmen Urbano, Tuscia Cole Triossi, Silvia Puig, Lola Bustillo and the greyhounds Saxa, Yeza y Shira

LUSH HELPS SOS GALGOS

2009-12-10T13:23:00.001+01:00

Lush hand made cosmetics always devotes its activities to supporting good causes. In a gesture which we appreciate enormoulsy, Lush has very kindly decided to support the plight of the galgos (our Spanish greyhounds) during which, for a period of 3 months, are donating the money generated from the sale of its 'Charity Pot' exclusively to SOS GALGOS. You can therefore not only enjoy using this excellent moisturizer, not tested on animals as are all of Lush's products, but at the same time you're helping us to continue striving for the welfare of the galgos in Spain. You can go to any Lush branch in Spain or order a pot through Lush's website http://www.lush.es

We are currently in the third month of this special offer of help for the galgos so please hurry and buy your Charity Pot soon!

Thank you very much!

Find Lush shops

OUR FRIENDS IN 'YOU TUBE'

2009-12-10T13:19:00.001+01:00

Education in Schools

Pep & Bambi (In Memoriam)

Pepa & Dantxa (In Memoriam)

Rolling & Peter's new life

Greyhound Fascination

Rescue of galgos in Burgos ( Chevalier part 2)

Crowded House - Greyhound dressing room

Sánchez, a lucky greyhound, he was just abandoned... (Lyrics...)

Walk SOS Galgos in Gijón (Part I)

Walk SOS Galgos in Gijón (Part II)

SOS Galgos (50.000)

In search of an oppotunity

Ara's Story, abandoned while pregnant

Rescue of galgos in Burgos (Maurice & Chevalier) (Lyrics...)

Sweet & Isis' (wmv-2,8 MB)

Sweet in Holand (wmv-3,58MB)

SOS GALGOS RECEIVES THE COURAGE OF CONSCIENCE AWARD

2009-12-10T13:18:00.000+01:00

It is with great honor for founders of SOS Galgos, Anna Clements and Albert Sordé to have received the Courage of Conscience Award by the Peace Abbey on September 18th, for our work in defense of Spanish greyhounds through public education and legislation.

The Courage of Conscience Award is humbly given out of a desire to promote the causes of peace and justice, non-violence and love.

The Courage of Conscience Award was first given to Oxfam America and throughout the years personalities such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Muhammad Ali or Mikhail Gorbachev have been recipients of this Award. (Read more...)

Galgos en USA Galgos in the USA