Dog Dies in Extreme Heat After Being Abandoned Tied Up in the Sun in Southern France

Emergency Call in the Aude

On Sunday, August 10, a distress call alerted the French animal charity 30 Millions d’Amis to a case of animal abandonment in Barbaira, in the Aude department. A German hunting terrier cross was spotted tied up in full sun as temperatures soared above 35°C (95°F).

“This poor dog was lying on the ground, completely unconscious,” said Jean, a volunteer investigator for the foundation. “He had no water, no food.”

Jean immediately contacted the local town hall and the gendarmerie to access the property. Together, they freed the animal and began cooling him down in an attempt to save his life.

A Rabbit Left Without Water

The investigation revealed the dog was not alone. Inside a shed, Jean discovered a dwarf lop rabbit, also abandoned without access to water. “She only had a few pellets and a dirty litter box,” Jean explained. “She could have died within hours.”

The rabbit was seized and taken into veterinary care. Apart from a possible ear infection, she was found to be in good health.

Heatstroke Victim Could Not Be Saved

Both animals were rushed to a veterinary clinic. The rabbit recovered quickly, but the young dog—who weighed only 7 kg (15 lbs)—was in critical condition. His body temperature had soared above 40°C (104°F), a clear sign of heatstroke, and he was struggling to breathe.

Despite intensive treatment, the dog went into cardiac arrest during the night and died. “He died during treatment from a heart attack,” Jean said. The foundation has filed a formal complaint for severe abuse and acts of cruelty.

A Deadly Pattern During Summer

Sadly, this tragedy is far from isolated. Every summer, hundreds of animals in France are abandoned or left in dangerous heat without shelter or water. Earlier this summer, 30 Millions d’Amis rescued Moula, an emaciated dog left day and night on a balcony in Seine-et-Marne, where temperatures reached 37°C (99°F) even in the shade.

“In the 21st century, everyone should be aware of the deadly risks heat poses to animals,” Jean emphasized.

With France once again under a heatwave alert, the foundation urges the public to remain vigilant and report any animals in distress.