The family of Alain Delon has made a decision that contradicts the late French actor's final wish regarding his beloved pet. Delon, who passed away three days ago at the age of 88, had expressed a desire for his 10-year-old Belgian Malinois, Loubo, to be euthanized and buried alongside him. However, this request has been overturned by his relatives.
Animal rights activists across France had voiced strong opposition to Delon's wish, offering alternative solutions for Loubo's care. In response to the public concern, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation announced yesterday that Delon's daughter, Anouchka, confirmed the dog would remain with the family.
"Loubo will, of course, not be euthanized. 'He has his home and his family', confirmed the actor's relatives who will take care of him."
Delon, often referred to as "the French Sinatra" due to his striking appearance, was a prominent figure in French cinema. His career spanned several decades, during which he starred in acclaimed films such as "Le Samouraï" and "Rocco and His Brothers." Delon received numerous accolades, including the César Award for Best Actor and the Honorary Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.
The actor's affection for canines was well-known. He claimed to have owned more than 50 dogs throughout his life, with the remains of at least 35 buried on his property in La Brûlerie, where he had resided since the early 1970s. In a 2018 interview with Paris Match, Delon described Loubo as his "end of life dog" and expressed a desire to be euthanized together if he were to die first.
Animal welfare organizations, including France's equivalent of the RSPCA, The SPA, criticized Delon's wish. They emphasized that an animal's life should not be dependent on a human's and offered to rehome Loubo if necessary.
While French law does not prohibit euthanizing pets upon an owner's death, the decision ultimately lies with individual veterinarians. The resolution to keep Loubo alive aligns with the stance of animal rights advocates and ensures the dog will continue to receive care and affection from Delon's family.