Nice Hinterland: Pregnant Jogger Attacked by Dogs
- Nathalie Leblanc's morning jog in Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage,France,turned into a terrifying ordeal when she was attacked by two Anatolian shepherd dogs.The incident, which occurred June 23, has left Leblanc, who...
- Leblanc was running on a familiar municipal path in the Tinée valley around 5 a.m.
- The dogs instantly attacked, one biting her leg and causing her to fall, while the other targeted her right arm.
A pregnant jogger’s peaceful morning in the French Alps turned into a fight for survival when she was brutally attacked by two Anatolian shepherd dogs. Nathalie Leblanc, five months pregnant, suffered serious injuries in the unexpected incident near Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage. The primary keyword, “dog attack,” underscores the shocking reality. The ongoing investigation examines the dogs’ role and public safety. Leblanc’s ordeal has ignited a debate about the role of herd protection dogs and the safety of locals. The shepherdess denies duty. With News Directory 3 bringing you the latest updates, uncover the details of this harrowing event and the legal battles that ensue. Discover what’s next …
Jogger Attacked by Dogs in French Alps: A Fight for Survival
Updated July 03,2025
Nathalie Leblanc’s morning jog in Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage,France,turned into a terrifying ordeal when she was attacked by two Anatolian shepherd dogs.The incident, which occurred June 23, has left Leblanc, who is five months pregnant, with serious injuries and a lingering sense of trauma. The role of herd protection dogs and public safety is now under scrutiny.
Leblanc was running on a familiar municipal path in the Tinée valley around 5 a.m. As she approached a herd of sheep, she noticed a shepherd’s caravan and hesitated, wary of the protective dogs often present. Deciding to turn back, she was suddenly confronted by two Anatolian shepherds that “came out of nowhere,” she saeid.
The dogs instantly attacked, one biting her leg and causing her to fall, while the other targeted her right arm. “I yelled at death,” Leblanc recounted, describing how she desperately protected her head and neck. The attack lasted only a minute, but felt like an eternity as she fought for her life.
Despite her calls for help, no one was nearby.Leblanc managed to get back on her feet, and the older dog eventually backed off. However, the second dog continued to pursue her for nearly a kilometer. She was able to fend it off by finding a stick and throwing stones until it finally retreated. Wounded and bleeding, she made her way back to the village.
After the attack, Leblanc sought medical attention and filed a complaint with the gendarmerie of Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée. She also contacted the mayor, jean-Pierre Issautier, but has not received a response. Ten days after the incident, Leblanc remains deeply shaken. ”I was in a hysterical state, of terror,” she said. “This scene is constantly coming back in mind.”
The shepherdess involved, through her lawyer Christophe Petit, denies any fault and is actively preparing her defense. Petit stated that his client “Drives any criminal responsibility” and may claim an “exemption” under laws protecting herd management.
What’s next
the inquiry into the dog attack is ongoing. Leblanc is seeking to have the two Anatolian shepherd dogs euthanized, arguing they pose a continued threat to public safety. The incident has ignited a debate about balancing the role of herd protection dogs with the safety of residents and tourists in rural areas.