Alian Chichignoud, from Saint-Vincent-de-Barrère, Ardèche, embarked on a memorable trip with his canine companion, only for his Jack Russell Gaïa to vanish while chasing a fox in Vaulruz, Switzerland.
Trapped in pipe
After a frantic search, Gaïa was discovered trapped in a pipe, prompting Alian to call Swiss emergency services. A complex rescue operation involving six firefighters and a specialist company lasted nine hours and resulted in a bill of €9,700 (£8,458.45).
Shocked by the unexpected expense, unemployed Alian launched a fundraising campaign in the hope he'd be able to find enough money to cover the costs within 30 days. The campaign quickly surpassed its €7,000 goal (£6,104.03), with Alian overwhelmed with gratitude for the support.
Huge bill
The bill includes 4,000 Swiss francs (£3,618) for the firefighters' involvement, 1,650 Swiss francs (£1,492) for mobilising the rescue vehicles, and 2,400 Swiss francs (£2,170) for using specialist cameras to locate Gaïa. There was also a municipal cost of 377.50 Swiss francs (£341).
While Alian is, of course, relieved that Gaïa is safe, he is left questioning the exorbitant cost, expressing disappointment at the perceived exploitation of his distress for profit. The incident is a cautionary tale for pet owners travelling abroad and highlights the importance of understanding potential financial implications in emergencies.
