After Criticism, Alain Delon’s Family Says Dog Will Not Be Euthanized

The family of the late French actor Alain Delon has refused his last request to have his cherished dog, Loubo, put down so that they could be buried together, according to news reports.

Alain Delon, celebrated actor, producer, and writer, whose suave style made him an international sex symbol, passed away at his home in Douchy, France, at the age of 88. Delon, who won the Best Actor award at the 10th annual César Awards in 1985, had been struggling with health issues, including a stroke in 2019. In a 2018 interview with Paris Match magazine, he revealed his unusual wish to have his Belgian Shepherd dog, Loubo, buried next to him, referring to Loubo as an “end-of-life” dog he loved “like a child.”

“I’ve had 50 dogs in my life, but I have a special relationship with this one,” Delon told the magazine. “If I die before him, I’ll ask the vet to take us away together. He’ll put him to sleep in my arms.”

However, Delon’s family, including his four children, announced on Tuesday through a CNN affiliate that they would not fulfill this request, especially following criticism from various animal rights groups in France. They confirmed that Loubo would live out his remaining years at the actor’s residence in Douchy.

Delon’s request drew swift criticism from animal welfare organizations, with many offering to rehome Loubo if necessary. On Tuesday, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, a French animal charity, confirmed on social media that Delon’s relatives stated Loubo has a home and family and would not be euthanized.

“Loubo has his home and his family,” the Foundation posted on X (formerly Twitter), “and the dog would not face its own death by euthanasia.”

Last year, Delon’s daughter Anouchka posted a picture of Loubo on social media, expressing her affection for her father’s beloved pet. “Wherever there’s an unfortunate person, God sends a dog. Thank you, Loubo, for being there for your master,” she wrote on Instagram.

France’s Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA), the country’s main animal protection organization, also condemned Delon’s last wish, stating, “the life of an animal should not be conditional on that of a human being.” Both SPA and Fondation 30 Millions d’Amis, another prominent animal welfare group, offered to find a new home for Loubo if needed, urging Delon’s family to deny his request.

On Monday, Fondation 30 Millions d’Amis paid tribute to Delon as a “fervent supporter of the animal cause,” while expressing hope that the dog would not be put down while in good health.

Delon’s legacy extends beyond his noteworthy career in the film industry to include his deep attachment to animals, particularly his dogs. Despite his unusual end-of-life wish, his family’s decision to allow Loubo to live out his natural life aligns with the sentiments of numerous animal welfare advocates.

Source: UPI, CNN