Spanish Animal Welfare Laws   For many years now, as well as the rescue and rehoming work, which we appreciate is first aid, we have tried to tackle the galgo  problem at source. Recently we contacted some MEP’s to obtain information about what can be done through the auspices of the EU to bring to an end the terrible cruelty   to the galgos. We have received much information which sadly shows that bringing about changes in Spain for the galgos is a very complex matter. It seems that the problem with EU-wide action on animal rights issues (and this applies across the board, from bullfighting to fox hunting) is that the EU does not have the legal competency to pass legislation solely on the basis of the need to protect animal welfare. All EU law has to be based upon articles in the Combined Treaties on European Union (ie, the combination of the various Treaties that have been signed by the       Member States – Rome, Maastricht, Nice and eventually Lisbon).   If a piece of legislation is passed that does not have a foundation in Treaty, then it cannot be applied into EU law and will be struck down in the courts.    Unfortunately there is no basis in the Treaties which allows for        legislation purely to protect animal welfare. This means that at present there are three ways by which legislation to protect Spanish galgos could be passed.   The first would be to find a way of using existing competencies as defined under the Treaties to pass    EU legislation.       5