SWITZERLAND: Switzerland's St Bernard rescue dogs, known for centuries for saving Alpine avalanche victims, are to be sold as helicopters and heat sensors take over their work.
At St Bernard's hospice, the cradle of the breed, Augustinian monks want to devote more time to needy people and less to the 18 dogs.
At an altitude of 2,438 metres (8,000 ft), the St Bernards' home is an Alpine pass on the route to Italy where the large, shaggy dogs are said to have saved the lives of some 2,500 travellers over the past few centuries.
"Even if there was 2 or 3 metres of fresh snow, they were able to make a track in the snow so travellers could find their way, they could also find travellers lost in avalanches," Brother Frederic said.
However, the dogs, have not rescued anyone for 50 years. They will be sold to new owners willing to bring their charges back to the hospice for the summer, when tourists are keen to see the living symbols of Switzerland, and ensure the breed is continued.