Alain Delon’s Dog Loubo to Live After Outcry Over Euthanasia Plan
Following an outpouring of criticism from animal rights activists, the family of late French actor Alain Delon has reversed their decision to euthanize his beloved dog, Loubo, The Guardian reports.
Delon, who died at 88 on Sunday, had expressed a wish for the 10-year-old Belgian Malinois to be put down and buried with him at his home in the village of Douchy.
The prospect of euthanizing a healthy dog sparked outrage from animal welfare organizations, including the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and the SPA, the French equivalent of the RSPCA. These groups offered to find Loubo a new home and voiced their opposition to ending the animal’s life based solely on the wishes of a deceased owner.
On Tuesday, Anouchka Delon, the actor’s daughter, confirmed that Loubo would be kept by the family.
“I’ve just had Anouchka Delon on the phone and she has told me that Loubo is part of the family and will be kept. The dog will not be put down,” a spokesperson for the Brigitte Bardot Foundation said.
While there is no law in France prohibiting pet owners from euthanizing their animals, it is ultimately up to individual veterinarians to decide whether to carry out such a request.
Delon, known for his iconic roles in films like “Purple Noon” and “Le Samouraï,” was known for his deep affection for dogs. He had previously created a chapel on his property, La Brûlerie, containing the remains of over 35 of his canine companions.
