Free the Hunting Dogs
October 01, 2024
Short documentary
After an amazing turnout at this year's Galgo march, the first ever in London, Free Spanish Hounds have confirmed that in 2025 the event will take place in 3 UK cities. The peaceful protest will be held on 1st February 2025 in London, Manchester and Glasgow.
I would like to take this opportunity to share a film I made for Free Spanish Hounds about the first Galgo march which took place on 3rd February 2024. More than 200 people and over 100 dogs marched from the Embassy of Spain through Central London to demand an end to hunting with dogs in Spain.
I've shot this hand-held on my Sony a7Sii with a the Rode VideoMic Pro, and yes it's very run-and-gun, but hopefully I've managed to capture the essence of the day and all the wonderful people and dogs that took to the streets of London.
You might say 'Why should I care about dogs in Spain, when the UK is currently facing its own animal welfare crisis?' And yes, rescues here are at breaking point, and don't even get me started on Greyhound Racing still not having been banned, but Spain's barbaric treatment of Galgos and Podencos needs to stop!
The country has a deeply problematic hunting culture that involves severe abuse and systematic killing of hunting dogs, particularly Galgos (Spanish Greyhounds) and Podencos. The situation represents a widespread and culturally entrenched form of animal cruelty and a severe ongoing animal welfare crisis that continues largely unchecked in Spain.
As you can probably tell, this is an issue that is close to my heart. I have been donating to rescues like Galgo del Sol for many years, but I wanted to do something more tangible, which is why I decided to make this film.
It would mean so much if you could spare a few minutes to watch and maybe even share it - if you could lend the hunting dogs of Spain your voice and spread the word by following and supporting the charities (Project Galgo, Hope for Podencos, Plataforma NAC) that work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome these dogs.
Thank you!