Alain Delon’s family refuse to put down pet dog the actor wanted to be buried with

French actor Alain Delon, renowned for his roles in classics like “The Leopard,” passed away at the age of 88. Before his death, Delon had expressed a heartfelt wish for his Belgian Shepherd dog, Loubo, to be euthanized and buried alongside him. In a 2018 interview, he described Loubo as his “end-of-life” companion and spoke of their deep bond, stating he wanted the dog to be put to sleep in his arms if he died first. This request, however, sparked significant controversy in France, particularly among animal welfare organizations.

Following the public outcry, Delon’s family decided not to honor his unusual request. They confirmed that Loubo would remain with the family at Delon’s Douchy residence. French animal welfare groups, including the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and the Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA), had strongly opposed the idea, arguing that an animal’s life should not be conditional on that of a human. These organizations also offered to help find a new home for Loubo if needed, ensuring the dog would continue to live in good health.

For more information see Niamh Kennedy “Alain Delon’s family refuse to put down pet dog the actor wanted to be buried with” CNN.com, August 21, 2024.