"The dogs are fine": Mystery banner and footprints hint at volcano rescue

FILE PHOTO: Dogs are seen on the ash-covered earth surrounded by volcanic lava following an eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, in the area of Todoque on the Canary Island of La Palma, Spain in this undated screen grab taken from a handout video. Video recorded with a drone. LA PALMA LOCAL GOVERMENT/VOLCANIC LIFE/TICOM SOLUCIONES/Handout via REUTERS

LA PALMA (Reuters) - The Spanish drone company trying to rescue three dogs trapped near an erupting volcano on the island of La Palma has found no sign of the animals, but discovered human footprints in the ash-covered no-go area, and a message: "The dogs are fine".

Images of the emaciated dogs captured from a drone this month have provoked an outpouring of support from animal lovers across Spain, triggering the rescue mission, donations and other initiatives.