The desire of Alain Delon’s family to have his pet dog, Loubo, euthanized and buried alongside the late French actor has been overturned.
Delon, who passed away at the age of 88 on Sunday, had previously expressed his wish for the 10-year-old Belgian malinois to be put to sleep and interred in his grave.
However, in response to the backlash from activists, the actor’s family has now confirmed that Loubo will not be euthanized.
The French animal welfare organization Fondation Brigitte Bardot disclosed that Delon’s family has assured that Loubo will be looked after by relatives, stating: “He has a place to call home and a family to care for him.”
The French counterpart of the RSPCA also expressed their willingness to adopt his dog, emphasizing that “an animal’s life should not be dependent on that of a human.”
In earlier interviews, Delon mentioned having established a pet cemetery at his residence, La Brulerie, in the village of Douchy, Loiret – approximately 85 miles southeast of Paris, where the remains of at least 35 pets are buried.
“He is my loyal companion in my final days… I cherish him like a child,” Delon revealed to Paris Match in 2018.
“I have had 50 dogs in my lifetime, but my connection with him is unique. He feels my absence deeply.”
“If I pass away before him, I will request the veterinarian to end our lives together. He will peacefully rest in my arms. It brings me more solace than the thought of him suffering alone at my grave.”
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Anouchka, Delon’s daughter, posted a picture of Loubo on Instagram last year, captioned: “Where there is despair, a loyal companion arrives. Thank you, Loubo, for being there for your master.”
Known for his iconic roles in films such as Purple Noon (1960), The Leopard (1963), and Le Samourai (1967), Delon left a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.
The actor’s health had been deteriorating following a stroke five years ago. His final notable public appearance was to accept an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019.