When municipal police in Yvelines, France, received information that six dogs had been cruelly abandoned, they launched an investigation to find out more.
The dogs, they discovered, were Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, a loyal, protective breed, that originally guarded livestock.
The dogs had survived many winter months alone. They had a tiny makeshift shelter, but had otherwise been exposed to the elements since their owner left them there in October 2023.
Having heard of their desperate situation, the local butcher donated meat for the dogs, which the police brought them on a daily basis. But despite their best efforts, they just couldn't find a rescue association that would intervene.
A nine hour rescue mission
Thankfully, having heard their story, the incredible team behind La Tanière - Zoo Refuge decided to help.
While the sanctuary is primarily dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of more exotic animals, they knew they had the means and experience necessary. Setting off on the 100 kilometre journey, they prepared themselves for an extreme mission.
When they arrived at the landfill they discovered the dogs in terrible conditions. Moving around between pieces of scrap metal, the terrain was very difficult to work with, and the dogs were understandably terrified.
At times the rescue seemed impossible... The dogs knew the area inside out, and there was no way they were going to make it easy for founder Patrick Violas and his team.
Using a dart gun, they were able to sedate and capture all six dogs, in a process that took 9 long hours.
Quarantined but finally safe
The dogs were taken back to La Tanière, where they were placed in quarantine while they were treated for a number of different parasites.
At only 2-years-old, the dogs weighed between 40-45kg each, around 15kg under the recommended weight for their breed.
They have remained in Patrick's care since their rescue, slowly starting to recover from their trauma.
While the dogs remain fearful of people, they have gentle natures. The future of the six survivors remains uncertain, but Patrick dreams of keeping the siblings together.
If his plan works out, they would become the guardians of around 600 animals, including primates and elephants.
