The family of legendary French actor Alain Delon, who passed away at 88, has made the difficult decision to deny his final request to have his beloved dog euthanized and buried alongside him. This decision follows significant public backlash and concern from animal welfare groups across France.
A Controversial Final Wish Alain Delon, an icon of French cinema, was known for his captivating performances in classics like The Leopard and Our Story. Beyond his on-screen persona, Delon was deeply attached to his Belgian Shepherd, Loubo. The actor, who passed away over the weekend, had expressed his wish to be laid to rest with Loubo, whom he described as his “end-of-life” companion. In a 2018 interview with Paris Match, Delon revealed his profound bond with Loubo, stating, “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, this unusual request quickly sparked a heated debate in France, with animal rights organizations and the general public expressing their strong opposition.
Public Outcry and Animal Welfare Concerns In response to the growing controversy, Delon’s family announced on Tuesday that they would not fulfill the actor’s final wish. French animal charity, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, confirmed this decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter), reassuring the public that Loubo would remain with the family and would not be euthanized. The post also noted that the dog “has his home and his family.”
Delon’s children reiterated this stance in an interview with CNN affiliate BFMTV, explaining that Loubo would continue to live at their father’s residence in Douchy. The decision came after several animal welfare organizations, including France’s main animal protection group, the Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA), strongly criticized Delon’s request. The SPA emphasized on social media that “the life of an animal should not be conditional on that of a human being,” and offered to rehome Loubo if necessary.
Animal Welfare Organizations Speak Out Another prominent group, 30 Million Friends, also condemned the request. In an article published on Monday, they paid tribute to Delon’s legacy as a “fervent supporter of the animal cause” but expressed hope that Loubo wouldn’t be put down while still in good health. The organization offered to assist in finding a “trustworthy” new home for Loubo if the need arose.
These statements reflect a broader societal concern about the ethical treatment of animals and the importance of respecting their lives, irrespective of human wishes. The public outcry and swift response from animal welfare organizations underscore the strong cultural sentiment in France against euthanizing healthy animals for the sake of fulfilling a person’s final wish.
Delon’s Legacy and His Bond with Loubo Alain Delon’s love for animals, particularly dogs, was well-documented throughout his life. He often spoke of his deep connections with his pets, and Loubo was no exception. Describing Loubo as his “end-of-life” dog, Delon indicated that this particular bond was unlike any other he had experienced before. “I’ve had 50 dogs in my life, but I have a special relationship with this one,” he shared in his interview with Paris Match.
Despite the controversy surrounding his final wish, Delon’s dedication to animal welfare was genuine, as evidenced by his involvement in various animal rights causes throughout his life. However, his family’s decision to let Loubo live out his natural life speaks to a broader ethical stance that prioritizes the well-being and rights of animals.
A Broader Reflection on Ethical Choices This situation has prompted a national conversation in France about the ethics of animal euthanasia and the responsibilities of pet ownership. While Delon’s request was rooted in a deep, emotional bond with his dog, the public response highlights the importance of making compassionate and ethical decisions when it comes to the lives of animals.
As Loubo continues to live with Delon’s family, this decision not only honors the actor’s legacy as a lover of animals but also reflects a broader societal commitment to animal welfare and ethical considerations.
