A man accused of beating and sexually assaulting a dog he was supposed to be looking after has been questioned by police. The unnamed man was arrested by the gendarmerie on Tuesday, October 13, in Le Cateau-Cambrésis in northern France, after neighbours allegedly saw him assaulting a six-year-old bulldog cross named Drago.
Charity lodges complaint
Animal welfare charity L’Étoile de Lili, which had arranged a foster family for Drago, lodged a complaint about the man. He had been asked by a friend to look after Drago for one night because the friend had been hospitalised.
L’Étoile de Lili wrote on social media that Drago had been "waiting for a lovely adoption", but that it had "turned into a nightmare". Neighbours were alerted to Drago's "cries" and discovered "absolutely appalling scenes".
Medical findings and legal proceedings
Drago was allegedly "violently beaten" by the man and had been "subjected to acts of a sexual nature, including acts of masturbation performed on him", the charity further stated. Neighbours quickly informed the police and the charity, and Drago was "rescued and taken to safety". Vets later discovered "bruises on the sides of his body" and "inflammation in the anal region".
L’Étoile de Lili wrote: "These medical findings (…) which are of particular concern (…) will be taken into account, along with witness statements and other evidence gathered, as part of the legal proceedings."
As for the man, L’Étoile de Lili claimed that he was "reported to have admitted to the offences". He was taken into custody but has since been released, and a "psychiatric assessment" is reportedly being considered.
Drago's recovery and future
The charity described Drago as "very sweet" and "exceptionally cuddly". L’Étoile de Lili stressed that Drago was now "safe, well looked after and in good hands". He has since been placed with a new foster family while he awaits his "forever family", whom the charity hopes will "love him and give him the happiness he deserves".
In a post published before the incident, on August 31, the charity described Drago as a "very sweet" and "exceptionally cuddly" dog who loves "tender moments" and "longs to find a family". On October 15, the charity shared an update that included a video showing Drago appearing to be doing well. It wrote that the post had received more than 900,000 views since the story was shared.
The charity wrote: "Thousands of reactions, shares, and comments… A level of support that touches us deeply! If only Drago knew how many people are standing behind him today…" L’Étoile de Lili noted that it remained "deeply concerned" that the man involved in the incident was still free and hoped the justice system would take "appropriate action" and "impose the necessary sanctions".
It added: "Drago is doing well; he is safe and receiving wonderful care from his foster family. Despite everything he has been through, he continues to seek out human affection and cuddles."
