Veterinarians Denounce Spanish Law for Endangering Animals

In a stark critique of animal welfare in Spain, a group of veterinarians has come forward to denounce the current Spanish Animal Welfare Law, highlighting its inadequacies and the dire consequences it has on the well-being of animals, particularly those involved in hunting.

The Plight of Hunting Dogs

At the heart of the controversy are the hunting dogs, such as galgos and podencos, which are widely exploited in Spain's hunting industry. Each year, over 20 million animals are killed by the hunting industry, with more than 2 million hunting dogs being used. The majority of these dogs do not survive their first hunting season, and it is estimated that at least 50,000 dogs are abandoned annually after the hunting season ends. These dogs often meet a gruesome fate, being hanged from trees, thrown into wells, or simply discarded like used objects.

Legislative Gaps

The Spanish Animal Welfare Law (Ley de Bienestar Animal) has been criticized for excluding hunting dogs from its protections. This exclusion leaves these animals vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Veterinarians and animal rights organizations, such as CAS International and AnimaNaturalis, have been conducting research and lobbying the government to implement legal protections for these animals. Their investigations have revealed appalling conditions in kennels at hunting sites, including dogs living in their own excrement and relying on contaminated drinking water.

Upcoming Protests and Campaigns

In response to these findings, a series of protests are scheduled to take place on February 2, 2025, in Utrecht and several Spanish cities. Organized by the GalgoPodencoPlatform, of which CAS International is a member, these protests aim to draw attention to the horrific fate of these hunting dogs. The initiative is part of the broader "No A la Caza" (No to Hunting) campaign, which seeks to end the tradition of hunting with dogs in Spain.

European Advocacy

The issue is not isolated to Spain but is also gaining attention at the European level. European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, has promised that revised animal welfare proposals will be unveiled by 2026. These proposals could potentially address the gaps in current legislation and provide better protections for animals across the EU, including those in Spain.

Public Outrage and Political Response

The recent incident during the Granada Three Kings Parade, where an ox was mistreated, has further highlighted the need for stricter animal welfare laws in Spain. The incident sparked immediate condemnation from the public and opposition parties, underscoring the growing public awareness and outrage over animal cruelty.

As the debate over animal welfare intensifies, veterinarians, animal rights groups, and the public are calling for immediate action to protect animals from abuse and neglect. The upcoming protests and ongoing advocacy efforts aim to push for legislative changes that will ensure all animals, including hunting dogs, receive the protection they deserve.