World Galgo Day & Beyond
All photos are from my 5 weeks volunteering at the incredible Galgo's Del Sol
In 2023, Spain passed a national animal welfare law that was praised as a step forward, yet itĀ deliberately excluded hunting dogs, including galgos and podencos. While many animals gained stronger legal protection, these dogs were left out entirely, creating a legal gap that continues to leave them vulnerable to neglect and mistreatment.
DĆa Del Galgo / World Galgo Day is marked every year on February 1st, (This date marks the end of the hunting season in Spain) and this awareness day and the days leading up to it, alongside events and parades, are SO important, but of course, Galgos donāt stop needing help when the date passes. Their reality doesnāt pause. Their stories donāt expire.
So this year, I am writing this post just a little later, because caring about galgos should be something we carry with us, every day.
What Actually Is World Galgo Day?
It marks the end of the hunting season in Spain, a time when many who are used for hunting face abandonment, injury, or death simply for no longer being considered useful. The day exists to raise awareness of this reality and to highlight the ongoing welfare crisis affecting galgos.
You'll also see a mention of podencos, another group of Spanish hunting dogs who face very similar treatment. While āgalgoā is in the name, the wider message is about protecting hunting dogs who are often excluded from basic welfare protections.
At its core, World Galgo Day is about visibility, shining a light on dogs who are too often unseen, unheard, and forgotten.Ā
What's A Galgo?
Galgos are Spanish Sighthounds, similar in shape to Greyhounds and Whippets. They areĀ traditionally used for hunting in Spain. Seen as replaceable rather than as living beings, thousands are abandoned, killed or sent to perreras (killing stations) each year at the end of the hunting season when they are no longer wanted.
Outside of hunting, galgos often make calm, loving companions. Many thrive as family dogs once they experience safety, warmth, and kindness.
You can learn lots about Galgos HERE from the amazing, Galgos Del Sol.
What About Podencos?
Youāll often see podencos mentioned alongside galgos, especially around World Galgo Day.
Podencos are another group of Spanish hunting dogs, made up of several regional types. Like galgos, many are bred and kept solely for hunting, not as companion animals. In a lot of cases, they spend much of their lives chained, confined, or living outdoors with minimal care, usually based on the belief that hardship makes them better hunters.
When theyāre no longer considered useful, podencos also face abandonment or neglect . This is why awareness efforts often include both. The issue isnāt just about one breed, itās about a wider system where certain dogs are viewed as disposable 'tools'.
You can readĀ more about Podencos HERE from the incredible Hope For Podencos.
Ways You Can Help
World Galgo Day is a fantastic and extremely important day for the cause, but of course,Ā these dogs donāt need saving once a year. They need advocating for all year round.
You donāt need to do everything to make a difference. Small, consistent actions matter.
š¾ Learn & keep talking
Read, listen, and share information about galgos and podencos, inside and outside of awareness days. The more people understand whatās happening, the harder it is for it to stay hidden.
š¾ Donate or sponsor
Rescues rely on donations to cover food, vet care, rehabilitation, and shelter. Even if you cannot adopt, sponsoring a dog is a meaningful way to support one directly.
Organisations like Galgos del Sol and Project Galgo do vital work year-round.
You can also find a bigger list at the end of this blog.
š¾ Volunteer (in person or remotely)
Some organisations welcome volunteers at their shelters in Spain, helping with cleaning, feeding, walking dogs, enrichment, admin, photography, or transport support. Others rely on remote volunteers to help with social media, fundraising, admin, translations, or adoption coordination.
Volunteering your time can be just as valuable as donating money.
Spending time with galgos at Galgos Del Sol was one of the most meaningful experiences Iāve ever had. The dogs themselves are unforgettable, and the people working alongside them are some of the most dedicated, compassionate humans Iāve met. Itās an experience that stays with you.
š¾ Foster or adopt (if youāre able)
Fostering gives dogs a chance to decompress and learn what home life feels like. Adoption, when itās the right fit, is life-changing for both them and for you.
Itās also worth knowing that itās not just adult dogs in rescue, galgos and podencos are sometimes rescued as puppies too. If youāre someone whoās always imagined starting with a puppy, rescue can still be an option.
š¾ Support ethical organisations & campaigns
Follow, share, and back charities and campaigns working to improve protections for hunting dogs. Visibility helps keep pressure on systems that still fail them!
You can also sign petitions, such as this one.
š¾ Fundraise
You donāt need a huge platform. Birthdays, raffles, pub quizzes, sponsored walks, bake sales. Small, local fundraisers genuinely add up and keep charities going.
š¾ Share skills, not just money
Are you good at: Photography or videography? Graphic design or writing? Admin, organising, or spreadsheets?
Many rescues desperately need skills, not just funds.
Final Thoughts
Iāll of course keep talking about galgos on the loud days and the quiet ones.
Because they matter every day.
Going forward, I want to continue to support rescues, share information, and explore meaningful ways to give back through Poochie Keen, including fundraisers and more as this little business grows.
Thank you for being here, for caring, and for taking the time to read š¤š¾
Brooke & Chicken
Poochie Keen
xo