Same dogs, Same Rights
Photo by mis_fotos_de_madrid
Why this matters.
Podencos are one of Spain’s traditional hunting breeds and, despite their intelligence, sensitivity and loyalty, many enter rescue every year after experiencing abandonment, neglect, poor welfare or being discarded at the end of the hunting season. They arrive needing safety, rehabilitation and homes.
At Hope for Podencos, we work closely with trusted Spanish rescue partners and foster homes caring for dogs rescued from a wide range of situations. We continue to see Podencos arriving in need of veterinary treatment, emotional decompression and support adjusting to life as companion animals.
In 2023, hunting dogs were excluded from parts of Spain’s Animal Welfare Law, Law 7/2023. Since then, proposed Royal Decrees have raised concern among welfare organisations and campaigners that hunting dogs may continue to be treated differently from companion animals under separate regulatory systems.
For Podencos and other hunting breeds, this could leave continued gaps in welfare protection, oversight and traceability before they ever reach rescue.
Spanish organisations, rescuers and supporters continue working to raise awareness and call for equal legal protections for all dogs in Spain.
As a breed-specific rescue working directly with Podencos, we believe it is important to help our supporters understand what is happening, why it matters and why rescue and rehabilitation remain so important.
While legislation may shape the future, these dogs need help today.
What is happening in Spain?
In 2023, Spain introduced a new Animal Welfare Law, Law 7/2023. While it brought forward new protections for many companion animals, hunting dogs — including Podencos and Galgos — were excluded from key parts of the legislation.
Since then, the Spanish government has been developing two Royal Decrees that could shape how hunting dogs are regulated in the future. The public consultation periods have now closed, but neither decree has been finalised.
Many welfare organisations remain concerned that the current proposals could continue treating hunting dogs differently from companion animals, leaving potential gaps in welfare protection, oversight and traceability. In July 2026, representatives from Spain's hunting sector met with the Ministry of Agriculture to discuss the proposed decree, reinforcing concerns among many welfare organisations about the direction of the legislation.
For Hope for Podencos, these are not simply political discussions. They affect the breed we work to protect and the dogs continuing to enter rescue every day.
That is why Spanish organisations, rescuers and supporters continue calling for equal legal protections for all dogs through campaigns such as Mismos Perros, Mismos Derechos — Same Dogs, Same Rights.
What is happening in Europe?
In April 2026, the European Parliament approved the first EU-wide Regulation focused on the welfare, identification and traceability of dogs and cats. The Council of the European Union formally adopted the Regulation in May 2026.
The Regulation includes hunting and working dogs and aims to strengthen identification, traceability, welfare standards and accountability across all EU member states.
The Regulation will come into force following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, with many of its measures introduced gradually over the coming years.
For welfare organisations and rescuers, the inclusion of hunting dogs represents an important step towards stronger long-term protection and greater accountability across Europe.
However, these changes are expected to be phased in over several years, meaning they are unlikely to improve conditions for dogs entering rescue in the near term. Campaigners therefore remain concerned about the immediate situation in Spain while its own proposed Royal Decrees are still being developed.
While the long-term direction across Europe is towards greater welfare protection and traceability, rescue organisations continue supporting the Podencos and other hunting dogs who need help today.
Why Hope for Podencos supports the campaign.
Hope for Podencos proudly supported the Spanish-led Mismos Perros, Mismos Derechos campaign and attended the Madrid demonstration in April 2026 alongside Spanish organisations, rescuers and supporters calling for equal legal protections for hunting dogs.
As a UK breed-specific rescue working closely with trusted Spanish partners, we see firsthand how many Podencos continue entering rescue in need of safety, veterinary care, rehabilitation and homes.
We believe all dogs deserve the same compassion, protection and responsible treatment, regardless of how they have been used or where they come from. Supporting the campaign closely reflects both our experience as a Podenco rescue and our commitment to the welfare of the breed.
We were proud to stand alongside Spanish organisations as a supporting campaign partner. Our role is to support and amplify a Spanish-led movement, while our primary focus remains the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of Podencos in need.
What happens next?
The proposed Royal Decrees in Spain have not yet been finalised, so discussions and campaigning around the future protection of hunting dogs are still ongoing.
At the same time, the new EU Regulation is expected to strengthen welfare, identification and traceability standards across Europe over the coming years.
Campaigners and welfare organisations will continue working to ensure hunting dogs are not left behind as both the Spanish and European changes develop.
For Hope for Podencos, the immediate reality remains the same: Podencos continue entering rescue in need of veterinary care, rehabilitation, foster homes and adoptive families.
We will continue supporting our trusted Spanish partners, monitoring developments and keeping our community updated. Whatever happens legislatively, our work rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming Podencos will continue.
How you can help.
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Support Rescue
Help the dogs today.
While legislation continues to evolve, Podencos already in rescue still need help today. By adopting, fostering, donating or fundraising, you are directly helping dogs receive the care, rehabilitation and second chance they deserve. -
Raise Awareness
Help people understand the issue.
Many people are still unaware that hunting dogs are treated differently under Spanish law. Sharing accurate information and supporting Spanish-led campaigns helps keep this important conversation visible and encourages more people to stand behind equal legal protections for all dogs. -
Sign the Petition
Support legislative change.
The public consultation period has now closed, but the campaign for equal legal protections continues. By signing the petition, you are adding your voice alongside thousands of others supporting Mismos Perros, Mismos Derechos – Same Dogs, Same Rights. -
Report Abuse
Help animals in immediate need.
If you witness or become aware of suspected animal abuse involving a hunting dog in Spain, reporting it through the appropriate Spanish authorities (SEPRONA) can help protect individual dogs and support wider welfare efforts.
Frequently asked questions.
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No. The proposed Royal Decrees are still being developed and have not yet been finalised. The public consultation periods have now closed, but discussions and revisions continue before the legislation can be adopted.
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Many welfare organisations believe the current proposals could continue treating hunting dogs differently from companion animals, potentially leaving gaps in welfare protection, oversight and traceability. That is why Spanish organisations continue campaigning for equal legal protections for all dogs.
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In April and May 2026, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union formally adopted the first EU-wide Regulation covering the welfare, identification and traceability of dogs and cats. The Regulation includes hunting dogs and is expected to strengthen protections across Europe as it is introduced over the coming years.
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No. Spain will continue to have its own national legislation. The EU Regulation sets common standards across Member States, while Spain's own laws and Royal Decrees will continue to determine how hunting dogs are regulated nationally.
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As a UK breed-specific rescue working closely with trusted Spanish rescue partners, we see firsthand the impact these issues have on Podencos entering rescue. We proudly support the Spanish-led Mismos Perros, Mismos Derechos campaign because we believe all dogs deserve equal legal protections, regardless of how they have been used.
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No. We continue working closely with trusted Spanish rescue partners, private foster homes and welfare-led organisations to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome Podencos. Our commitment to responsible rescue and high welfare standards remains unchanged.
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Yes. The proposed legislation has not changed our ability to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome Podencos. We will continue supporting dogs in need while working alongside our trusted Spanish partners.
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You can support Hope for Podencos by staying informed, sharing the campaign, signing the petition, adopting, fostering, donating or fundraising. Every action helps raise awareness and supports the dogs already entering rescue today.
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Podencos are one of Spain's traditional hunting breeds. Because of this, they are directly affected by legislation relating to hunting dogs. While many live as much-loved family pets, others continue to enter rescue after abandonment, neglect or the end of the hunting season. As a breed-specific rescue, this is why these developments matter so much to Hope for Podencos.
Every Podenco deserves the same protection.
While legislation continues to evolve, Hope for Podencos will continue doing what we have always done—working with trusted Spanish rescue partners to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome Podencos in need, while supporting efforts to improve their future through education, awareness and advocacy.
Together, we can help today's Podencos while working towards a future where every dog has the same protection.