80kg mastiff airlifted from Alicante mountains after collapsing on hiking route

A mountain rescue operation in Alicante province took an unusual turn when emergency crews were called in to save an exhausted 80-kilogram mastiff that became stranded during a walk in the Vall de la Gallinera.

The incident unfolded on Sunday May 31 morning when the dog and its owner set out on a hiking route through the picturesque valley, a popular destination known for its rugged landscapes, hiking trails and panoramic views. However, shortly after beginning the excursion, the large mastiff reportedly became unable to continue.

According to emergency services, the animal suddenly lost the strength to carry on and could no longer move its legs, leaving both dog and owner stuck in a remote area of the mountains.

Specialist rescue team deployed

With the mastiff weighing around 80 kilos and the terrain proving difficult to access by road, a standard rescue was not considered practical. Firefighters from the Alicante Provincial Fire Consortium mobilised a helicopter along with members of the specialist GER mountain rescue group.

Rescuers reached the location and assessed the situation before carefully preparing the dog for evacuation. Moving an animal of that size from steep terrain presented a significant logistical challenge.

The operation required coordination between air crews and ground teams to ensure the safety of both the animal and its owner.

Airlift to safety

Once secured, the mastiff and its owner were transported by helicopter to the area where their vehicle was parked. The rescue was completed in under two hours, with crews wrapping up the operation shortly after 10am.

Fortunately, neither the dog nor its owner suffered any injuries during the ordeal.

Following the rescue, the owner took the mastiff to a veterinary clinic for further examination and treatment.

The unusual operation quickly attracted attention online, with many social media users praising the efforts of the rescue teams. While mountain rescues involving hikers are relatively common, emergency workers say operations involving an exhausted 80-kilo dog are considerably rarer.

For the mastiff, however, the helicopter ride proved to be the quickest route home after an adventure that became far more demanding than expected.