Our aims : 1- that Galgos,Podencos and other breeds of hunting dogs may no longer suffer the physical and mental cruelty which is inflicted on them as a « tradition » in Spain.
2 - that all these dogs may live with dignity in their own country.
3 - that the number of international rescues may finally decrease.
Through this international petition to be sent to the leader of the Spanish government Jose Luis Zapatero, we ask:
-that the existing laws such as the Nucleo Zoologico ( the permit required to keep more than 5 dogs in suitable kennels and under veterinary supervision ) be respected in order to maintain the Galgos, Podencos and other breeds of dog in good sanitary conditions.
-that it be compulsory, under a new law, for every owner of a hunting dog to vaccinate his dog (in addition to microchipping or tattooing, which is already compulsory) in order to obtain an annual hunting permit.
-that it be compulsory for every owner of a hunting dog to have his dog%u2019s up to date vaccination card with him at all times during the hunting season .
-that every Galguero caught with a dog who is in bad physical or mental condition be severely punished with a prison sentence, this is already in place but is rarely applied. Since its reform two years ago, the Spanish Penal Code already considers cruelty to animals to be a criminal offence (up to this it was just considered to be a misdemeanour). The sentence imposed for the offence is a fine along with 3 months to 1 year in prison, the severity of the penalty depends on the judge but in Spain a person who is given a sentence of less than one year and who has no prior convictions will not go to prison for a first offence.
-that any assistance from a state authority (Seprona, Guardia Civil ) or a veterinary source that contravenes these principles be sanctioned by a suspension or a ban on practising.
Kathi Backes and Evelyne Roman, President and Secretary of SOS Levriers.
