PODENCOS are a breed of hound that originate from Spain, the islands off Spain and Portugal (Podengos). They are closely related to the Egyptian hound and are part of the hound family. (Greyhounds/Galgos, whippets, lurchers etc). 
Due to their incredible instincts, stamina, stubborness and prey drive, they are fantastic hunters. Actually, they love it and they are specifically designed for it. Over the years I have seen Nala do many things, but her happiest moments are when she's hunting- lizards, butterflies, rabbits and squirrels. 

There are lots of Podencos in Spain that are used for hunting but are of course cherished by their families and their owners. They spend all day in the countryside using their natural abilities to help their families hunt wild game for the dinner table and it is a wonderful symbiotic relationship they have. Honestly there is no better life for a Podenco than that, as long as it  is loved affectionately, kept warm and fed as much food as it needs. 

HOWEVER...

In some rural parts of Spain and the islands, they are not just mistreated, but tortured, beaten and brutally murdered. Some (I AM NOT GENERALISING) hunters feel that once the hunting season is finished, the dogs no longer have value and it is cheaper to discard or kill them than it is to keep them. I've heard that there is a culture around the killings of the Podencos. Some believe that the more hurt and pain inflIcted onto these unwanted Podencos, the better the yield of the next hunting season. Sort of like a ritual of good fortune.

Here are some pictures of what this culture looks like. I warn you- it is hard to see but also important that you know why Hope For Podencos do what they do.