Justice for Aslan, a wolfdog killed at point-blank range with a hunting rifle
How far will they go? Tens of millions of wild animals are slaughtered each year during hunting season, but that’s not enough for them: pets are also victims of this deadly pastime and its accompanying horrors. While in 2020 Willy Schraen supported the trapping of cats, on 17 February a dog was shot in cold blood in the Alpes-Maritimes region while out walking with his owner. Perhaps this animal was targeted because of its resemblance to a wolf… We demand justice for Aslan and are filing a complaint!
Animal killers who are all powerful and unpunished, know no bounds
On 17 February, as they had done every day since they were puppies, Aslan and Nala’s family took their dogs for a walk in the forest in the commune of Peille (Alpes-Maritimes). A few moments of inattention were enough. As Aslan strayed a few metres away from the family, a first shot rang out, followed by unbearable cries of pain. Then a second shot, and silence. No trace of the shooter. Their companion was lying on the ground, his body riddled with pellets.
The seven-year-old wolfdog had already been targeted by hunters because of his appearance. One of them had even made explicit threats: “If we ever see your dog, we’ll shoot him”. This is further proof of the hatred directed at animals that resemble wolves, at a time when the European Commission is preparing to lower their protection status in the face of relentless pressure from agricultural lobbies.
How many victims will it take before something is done?
An X-ray of Aslan’s body revealed hundreds of pellets scattered throughout his body, suggesting that the shots were fired at close range. Aslan thus joins the sad list of domestic animals killed by increasingly dangerous weapons, like Memphis, Connemara, Olympe and New Song, horses who died “accidentally” from bullets and pellets. Not to mention those who have been maimed by the traps that litter the ground in our countryside, such as Snooky and Cooper.
We are filing a complaint to obtain justice for Aslan in support of his family, who called on us for help. Yet another case dismissed without further action would be unacceptable: the justice system must do everything in its power to identify the perpetrator. Join us in demanding, again and again, peace for wolves and a radical reform of hunting!