An animal-loving couple was devastated by the tragic loss of two of their dogs, shot in a forest in Louplande, not far from their home. According to the information confirmed by the newspaper Ouest-FranceSensei, a 2-year-old Australian Shepherd, and O'Wolf, a 5-year-old German Shepherd, were killed last Friday.
Around 6:30 p.m., Benjamin, one of the owners, hears two gunshots coming from the forest located 400 meters from their house. He immediately made the connection with his dogs who had gone to hunt deer a quarter of an hour earlier. The couple also saw a red car parked near the woods and decided to go there.
On the spot, they meet two armed hunters who claim to have shot foxes, which is unlikely given the closed season. Finally, one of the hunters confesses to having killed the two dogs. In shock, the couple let the men go and found the bodies of their animals. The Australian shepherd died in the arms of his mistress.
"They looked my dogs right in the eye and they shot."
The veterinarian confirms that the dogs were killed by firearms, one of them at point blank range. Melodie, the owner, is revolted and expresses her disgust at this inhuman act. She had planned to start breeding, but following this incident, she put her project on hold for fear of the safety of her female and future puppies.
The couple, who have been living in the area for a year and a half, do not understand the motives behind this act. Was it a gratuitous act or was it ordered by a neighbor who was unhappy with the dogs running loose? They have filed a complaint and are determined to obtain justice. The gendarmerie of La Suze-sur-Sarthe has opened an investigation, and animal protection associations have already offered to act as civil parties in case of a trial.
