Marseille: Dog Locked in a Car for a Week Saved by Police

A Disturbing Discovery in the 13th District

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, residents of Marseille’s 13th arrondissement alerted authorities to a distressing situation. Inside a parked Peugeot 206, a young American Staffordshire terrier had been left abandoned for days.

When police arrived, they found the animal in a desperate state: malnourished, dehydrated, terrified, and surrounded by filth. Reports revealed that the dog had resorted to eating its own feces to stay alive.

Police Intervention Saves a Life

Municipal officers acted quickly. Smashing a window of the vehicle, they freed the dog and transferred it into the care of a local animal welfare association. “Without the intervention of both the neighbors and the police, this dog would not have survived,” said one rescuer.

The association has since launched an appeal for donations to cover the veterinary costs and rehabilitation of the dog. Early reports suggest that while the animal is traumatized, it is expected to recover.

Investigation for Animal Abuse

An investigation has been opened to identify and prosecute the owner of the vehicle, who is suspected of severe animal cruelty and neglect. The Peugeot will be towed to the pound, and authorities have warned that the case will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.

Animal rights groups in France have repeatedly called for harsher penalties against such acts, pointing out that many cases of neglect still go unpunished.

A Call for Vigilance

This incident highlights the crucial role of public vigilance. The swift action of concerned neighbors, who alerted police, saved the dog’s life. Authorities urge citizens to continue reporting suspected cases of abuse to prevent future tragedies.