“Someone Came Just to Hurt Him”: Balou the Dog Dies After Acts of Barbaric Torture

A Night of Horror

On the night of September 11, 2025, Balou’s owner returned home with her daughter around 1 a.m. Usually, Balou would greet them with joy at the gate. That night, there was only silence.

They found their faithful companion lying motionless, his eyes vacant, unable to move. “At the light, we discovered a stick protruding from his rectum,” the devastated owner told Le Journal du Gers.

Balou was rushed to a veterinary clinic, where surgeons removed a 20-centimeter stick lodged inside him. His bladder was perforated, and several internal organs were badly damaged. Despite two operations, Balou succumbed to his injuries a few days later.

“Only to Hurt Him”

Balou’s family insists there was no break-in. The dog wore an anti-escape collar, preventing him from leaving the property. “Someone came to my home only to hurt him,” his owner said, devastated.

Known for his gentle and affectionate nature, Balou was a beloved member of the family. His brutal death has left the community in shock and outrage.

Calls for Justice

A formal complaint has been filed, and the local gendarmerie has opened an investigation. The animal welfare groups 30 Millions d’Amis and the Fondation Assistance aux Animaux have pledged to join as civil parties if the case goes to trial. The Fondation has also launched a witness appeal, describing the act as “an inexcusable barbarity.”

A petition demanding justice for Balou has already gathered more than 34,000 signatures in just days. A fundraising campaign has also been opened to help the family cover veterinary and legal costs.

A Nation Outraged

The case has sparked widespread anger in France, fueling debate over animal cruelty laws and punishments. While Balou’s life ended in unimaginable suffering, his story has become a rallying cry for stronger protections and harsher penalties for those who commit acts of violence against animals.