Volunteers Search for Missing Greyhound

June 16, 2007 -- A champion greyhound is missing tonight after escaping death in Spain. The dog arrived from Paris, France to Philadelphia yesterday, but hours later got lost in Pennypack Park with its muzzle still on.

The greyhound was part of an international effort to bring people's attention toward animal cruelty in Spain, and other issues in that European country.

Volunteers are getting the word out that people are looking for a small greyhound named Valentina. Valentina was one of a trio of greyhounds rescued from Spain.

Valentina was brought to the National Greyhound Adoption Kennel in Northeast Philadelphia. She was there for just a few hours before slipping through a gate and escaping.

There have been several sightings of Valentina in Pennypack Park.

Valentina is recovering from a broken and infected leg. She said to be weary of people.

She was rescued along with Lucas, another hunting greyhound from Spain. Lucas is recovering from deep strangulation wounds around his neck. It is believed his owner tried to hang him from a tree, but the rope broke. European animal rights groups say such cruelty is not uncommon for hunting dogs thought to be too slow, or who have embarrassed their owners.

Lucas has been adopted, and is with his new owners tonight. Valentina is missing.

Should you spot her, contact the adoption program at (215) 380-9037.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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