Glasgow Protesters Rally Against Spanish Hunting Dog Cruelty
Dozens of campaigners and their canine companions marched through the streets of Glasgow this weekend, voicing a powerful demand for Spain to end the controversial practice of hunting with dogs. The demonstration, which saw participants holding placards with messages like "No to hunting with dogs in Spain" and "Free Spanish hunting dogs", coincided with the imminent closure of the Spanish hunting season on February 1.
A Seasonal Cycle of Abandonment and Suffering
Protesters highlighted a grim annual ritual in Spain, where up to 100,000 hunting dogs—primarily galgos (Spanish greyhounds) and podencos—are reportedly abandoned or killed once the hunting season concludes. Campaigners allege these animals often endure extreme cruelty throughout their lives and face a brutal fate when deemed no longer useful.
A critical issue raised is the legal status of these dogs. Despite Spain introducing a new animal welfare law in 2023, hunting dogs were specifically excluded from its protections. Under current Spanish law, they are classified merely as "tools" rather than sentient beings deserving of welfare safeguards.
Voices from the Glasgow March
An Di Prima, an organiser from Greenock, Inverclyde, explained the economic driver behind the cruelty. "For the hunters, it's cheaper to discard the dogs and then next year get new dogs than to keep the current ones," she stated. "It's not fair that a pet dog has a higher level of protection under the law than greyhounds and podencos."
The protest in Glasgow was part of a coordinated UK-wide effort, with similar events taking place in London, Manchester, and Exeter, amplifying the call for international pressure on Spanish authorities.
From Spanish Fields to Scottish Homes
Many of the dogs rescued from this plight find new homes in the UK. Val Pirie from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, who owns ten dogs including two podencos and five galgos, praised their temperament. "They are such lovable creatures and they are great as family pets," she said, emphasising the importance of raising awareness about the overflowing pounds in Spain.
The march was supported by Free Spanish Hounds, a UK-based volunteer organisation founded in 2023 to spotlight the dogs' suffering. Adva Shimshy, a founder, affirmed their commitment: "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."
The demonstration, starting at Glasgow Green and winding through the city centre, served as a poignant reminder that animal welfare is a global concern, with local actions in Scotland aiming to spur change in Spanish law and hunting practices.
