The family of actor Alain Delon will not have his dog Loubo put down and buried with him as the French star had wished. The news that Loubo would not be having a ruff day was welcomed by animal rights activists.
ADVERTISEMENTAlain Delon's family have overruled the late actor’s wish to kill his dog so that he may be buried with his beloved Loubo.
No, this is not a joke. A puppy snuff film was just averted.
The French actor, famous for films like La Piscine and Le Samourai, died on Sunday aged 88. He had previously stated that he wanted to share a grave with his 10-year-old Belgian malinois.
Indeed, Delon told Paris Match in 2018 about his “special relationship” with Loubo, and stated: “If I die before him, I’ll ask the vet to take us away together. He'll put him to sleep in my arms. I'd rather do that than know that he'll let himself die on my grave with so much suffering."
"He's my end-of-life dog… I love him like a child," Delon said. "I've had 50 dogs in my life, but I have a special relationship with this one. He misses me when I'm not there.”
But Loubo has dodged euthanasia after backlash from animal rights activists in France.
La SPA, a French organization dedicated to the protection of animals, said in a statement that it condemned Delon’s wish to euthanize his dog.
“The life of an animal should not be conditional to a human’s,” they said before adding that they would be willing to take in Loubo and find the dog a new home and family.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, an animal rights organization founded by the French icon, intervened on Instagram: “Don’t worry for Loubo,” adding that Delon’s loved ones confirmed they would take care of the good boy.
"Many of you have sent us messages concerning the fate of Loubo," said the foundation. "'He has his home and his family, and the family of Alain Delon have confirmed to us and they will take care of him. Loubo will of course not be euthanised."
Delon's daughter Anouchka posted a picture of Loubo on Instagram last year, with the caption: "Wherever there's an unfortunate person, God sends a dog. Thank you, Loubo, for being there for your master."
Phew... as there is no law in France that prohibits owners from putting down their pets.
Now people can quit hounding Loubo.
