The animal was tethered to an extremely short lead, with no food or water, and muzzled to stop it barking. The concerned neighbour had also witnessed it being beaten and growing dangerously thin.
On Tuesday, 13 May 2025, the woman sent police photos showing the dog’s dire state.
Police investigation
Officers confirmed the abuse from her home and moved quickly to intervene. The owner was absent, but when reached by phone, admitted the dog was unwell and claimed he could not afford a vet, ending the call abruptly.
With help from animal protection groups, police seized the dog and brought her to the station for urgent care. Trembling and weak, she was wrapped in a blanket and given water, gradually regaining some strength.
Identified via microchip as Duchess, a three-year-old American Bully Exotic, she weighed only 20 pounds and was critically underweight. That same day, she was hospitalised by SACPA before being transferred to La Fondation Assistance aux Animaux, which placed her with a foster family.
Owner now facing charges
Animal welfare investigator Abdel Boudjemaa confirmed the owner had been taken into custody and would face charges. Lawyer Julie Gros said the man would be questioned in September.
Boudjemaa praised the swift action and compassion of Longjumeau/Savigny-sur-Orge police, saying Duchess might not have survived without them.
