Spain: Dispute over hunting dogs in animal protection law
Thousands of Spanish greyhounds are killed or abandoned by hobby hunters year after year.
A draft law to strengthen animal protection in Spain could ban hobby hunting with dogs.
Greyhounds of the Galgo Español breed are traditionally used in Spain to hunt hares. Once the dogs are too old for hunting, they are abandoned, thrown into wells or hung from trees. Around 50’000 Galgos are killed this way every year.
Why are people protesting against an animal protection law?
The draft law stipulates that owners of pets must train them in such a way that they do not cause harm to other animals. The Royal Spanish Hunting Association, which represents 337’000 hobby hunters, has pointed out that parts of the draft law would mean the end of hunting.
According to the Affinity Foundation, 167’000 dogs were abandoned in Spain in 2021, many of them after the end of the hunting season.
Socialist Party divided
Fearing the issue could drive rural voters towards right-wing parties, the Socialists introduced an amendment. The amendment excludes hunting dogs and other animals used in traditional rural activities.
“The Socialist Party has time to respond,” says Garcia Torres. “There is no longer any parliamentary support for a law that excludes hunting dogs.” More on the topic hunting law.
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