Hi all– thought I'd share some of this info I've found. This pertains more to the Francés – but there's a great sign outside of Arzúa detailing what you should do if you encounter a road animal ( at least in Galicia). First, I am so sorry that this happened and hope you get better soon. I've walked the Camino seven times and have always encountered loose dogs of some kind, although never that grave of a situation. Encounters like these are less and less common on the busy Francés, especially in summer high season though. So, what to do if you encounter roaming dogs, a dog starts to follow you, its lost, or you suspect maltreatment/ animal abuse?
UPDATE: As @Pelegrin mentions below, 092 is only opened in large municipalities, so if that local police number is not accessible and theres a problem, use 112 to contact them.
If roaming loose AND/OR you think it might be lost: Call Local police: 092, or APACA: 881.973.068– this is the Association for the Protection of Road Animals. Many times I've experienced this, and although I think its cute that they follow me, I often think about the fact that they could be or are lost.
If a dog is injured, proceed as if it was a human: Call Emergency: 112, provide it with shade and shelter, water if deemed necessary, but never move it. Also call APACA: 881.973.068.
If you suspect maltreatment or abuse of a dog along the Camino: Call SEPRONA: 062 (This is a unit of the Guardia Civil for Nature Protection Services) and deal with the locals in the case of animal abuse.
As always, watch for your safety first– but please also help our four legged friends when possible and don't only treat them as a threat. I lead a group of students along the Camino every year and always go over scenarios regarding dogs, horses, cattle, etc along the way, as I know that it could one day be useful. Last year on the Pradela route out of Villafranca, we encountered three large mastiffs on the path. The dogs pulled a Gandalf and said "you shall NOT pass". A few of our students that were ahead didn't listen to their behavior and trekked forward, trying to pass them (regardless of my instructions!!
)– almost getting bit or worse, mauled (dogs were working together, and they were huge). The rest of us turned around, backed up, and got the attention of the locals. This time, the super nice hospitaleros at the albergue in Pradela helped out. The gentleman mentioned that they are just curious working dogs from the farm above and only come down to the path in the mornings. He grabbed his large herding stick and escorted all of us out of Pradela till we were way past them. So... ask the locals. They know the dogs and the dogs know them back. A few other pointers from experience:
1. Always take off sunglasses when passing a dog. They are looking for your eyes/gaze and if they can't see them, they might feel threatened.
2. Try not to stare them down or look at them in the eye, but keep them at safe distance, wider berth and sight in your periphery.
3. Have trekking poles in the case that they do get uncomfortably close, or worse, lunge.
4.
Reach out to the locals. Most of the time these are working dogs and may not be in the right place.
5.
Refrain from petting dogs. On several occasions, students decided to treat working dogs like they would their pets back home and ended up at the clinic with flea bites all over. Thankfully that was the extent of the situation.
Be safe y'all! and Buen Camino!