On January 6, 2023, a particularly harrowing case of animal abuse was discovered by two young girls in the town of La Courneuve, in Seine-Saint-Denis.
The two young girls discovered a dog, who was named Abby, locked in a small screened enclosure that had no access. According to Anne-Claire Chauvancy, president of Action Protection Animale, " the animal was skin and bones and was dying" The two girls immediately called the association and alerted the authorities.
When police arrived on the scene, they found Abby in critical condition. She was so emaciated that she could not even move. She was immediately removed from the pen and taken to a veterinarian for hospitalization. According to Anne-Claire Chauvancy, "she weighed 12 kg, whereas a Belgian Shepherd Malinois like her weighs 25-30 kg. Despite her hospitalization, Abby is unfortunately not out of the woods yet. Her vitals are poor and her organs have suffered from malnutrition.
A complaint for voluntary abandonment has been filed by the animal protection association. The owner of the dog was also identified, he presented himself to the police when he heard a noise when the authorities arrived on the scene, as if it was nothing abnormal. According to Anne-Claire chauvancy, "he faces up to three years in prison and a 75,000 euro fine, and up to five years if Abby dies."
This case of animal abuse is a reminder of the importance of raising awareness of the serious consequences of this type of behavior and of protecting animals from abuse.
