Compassion News

Scooby wins court case - a milestone in galgo welfare

In January 2005, Scooby and the local fire brigade rescued 5 galgos from a 30m dry well. Please see Compassion News reports for January 2005 for further information.

The dogs were tattooed which meant the owners could be traced. This had clearly been a deliberate act to kill the dogs. Galgos are protected under article 337 of the Penal code. This is a federal law and overrules any regional/autonomous laws.  Scooby immediately engaged a lawyer and mounted a prosecution case.  In the meantime, the galgos remained in the care of Scooby pending the outcome of the court case.  The hearing was held on 19 December 2005 and we are pleased to report that Scooby won the case.  The man who threw the galgos into the well pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 3 months in prison and a ban from hunting for 2 years.  He also has to pay a fine of € 1.200 and Scooby's legal costs.  In addition, he has to reimburse Scooby for all the medical and boarding costs for the galgos dating back to January 2005.  It remains to be seen whether or not the guilty man goes to prison,  he may have a suspended sentence.  Whatever happens, the law has at last been enforced and the judge has sent a strong message.

Scooby is very grateful to everyone who supported the case both financially and for sending letters to lobby the Spanish authorities to take action.  This effort contributed to a good result and milestone in the welfare of the galgos. 
 

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