"There Were Two Gunshots, and I Heard Him Scream": Wolfdog Shot Dead During Walk Near Menton

A Peaceful Walk Turns Fatal

On February 19, Sandrine took Aslan and a friend’s Malinois for their usual walk on Mont Agel, a wooded hiking area she frequents weekly. With the hunting season for large game officially closed, she had no reason to fear any danger.

"We were taking a shorter route than usual as the sun was setting. Aslan and the Malinois were running off-leash, enjoying their time outdoors," she recalled. Moments later, gunshots shattered the peaceful evening.

"I heard two shots and then Aslan’s agonizing scream. The Malinois came back alone, terrified," she said. When she found Aslan, it was already too late.

Over 100 Pellets Found in His Body

A veterinary X-ray later confirmed the worst: Aslan’s body was riddled with over 100 small lead pellets, indicating he was shot at close range. "The closer the shooter, the more concentrated the pellets. He was executed," Sandrine stated.

Sandrine believes a hunter or poacher was responsible. "I had seen a parked car near the trail when we arrived. After the shooting, it was gone. Someone was there hunting illegally," she suspected.

Investigation Underway, Hunter Association Reacts

Determined to find justice for Aslan, Sandrine filed a formal complaint with the gendarmerie. The case is now under investigation, with authorities set to question local hunters. Animal welfare organizations, including 30 Millions d’Amis, have also joined as civil parties.

Jean-Pierre Caujolles, president of the local Hunting Federation, acknowledged the incident but suggested possible extenuating circumstances. "There were previous complaints about this dog roaming off-leash and scaring people. If the shooter mistook him for a wolf or acted in self-defense, we need to consider all possibilities," he stated.

However, Sandrine remains firm: "Aslan wore a GPS collar. He was well-trained and never aggressive. This was no accident. Someone deliberately shot my dog."