Almost all rescue organisations will ask that the galgo or galga you adopt be neutered if it has not already been done prior to the adoption. There is a reason for this, and a very good one too.
The problem in Spain that causes these poor dogs to be so abused and abandoned is caused by over population, over breeding. certain areas of Spain are literally so full of galgos that there is no chance of homes for them.
Why neuter?
Many end up wandering the streets, being dumped in shelters and dog pounds or even worse, ending up in the hands of the galguerros( hunters), or the gipsies.
These people allow them to breed unchecked, pick what they want and treat the rest as truly disposable.
Spain has this problem and we outside Spain see the terrible consequences of it every day.
When we bring galgos out to France, or Holland, or Belgium, or even overseas to the UK and America, we do not want to create the same problem, and this is why we insist that all galgos are neutered.
It isn't that you, as an individual, are not trusted, just that a sensible policy has been adopted to try to pre-empt any problems and it must be enforced. If an exception is made for one, it will become the norm, with foreseeable difficulties in the future.
Neutering does not harm the animals, not make them unhappy. In fact, it tends to preclude the possibility of the development of various cancers in later life, and removes the angst sometimes associated with the desire to find a mate, resulting in greater contentment.
Written by Joanna Simm.
I'm adding a note here, as all the dogs, cats and horses which I have owned or currently own, are neutered. It saves so many problems. As I told my French neighbour as he walked through our door, 'everything which comes into my house to live is cut!' How he did laugh, with his knees together!
Also, if you've had experience of coping with a 'whole' male dog who scents a female on heat, or a female dog 'on heat' being pestered by male dogs, or mopping up around the house after her whilst she is on heat,
neutering the dog brings peace of mind to everyone.
Beryl.
If you adopt a puppy from a rescue association, you will be asked to put up a 'bond' Here Joanna explains the purpose of a 'bond'.
Bonds
A quick word here about the payment of a bond, required by some organisations to be submitted in the case of the adoption of a puppy, a sick or badly injured galgo, or a dog who for some reason is unable to be neutered before the adoption.
All that is required here is a cheque of perhaps 500 Euros, which is NOT CASHED but held until you submit the vets certificate to state that the neutering has been carried out.
This may be alien to British minds, but it is a common practice abroad, and is nothing to worry about as long as the organisation you are using is a bona fide charity such as L'Europe des Levriers or Amigos de Los Galgos. The cheque is returned to you untouched after the neutering.
Related articles:
Questions to ask yourself
Importance of neutering
Fees paid to associations
Questionnaires and visits
Recent Comments