By PARIS — The beloved dog of late French film icon Alain Delon will not be buried alongside the actor, contrary to Delon’s previously expressed wishes, bringing relief to animal rights activists across France.
Delon, an internationally acclaimed actor and producer, died Sunday at the age of 88. He is set to be buried Saturday at his family home in Douchy, south of Paris.
In a 2018 interview with Paris Match magazine, Delon had suggested he wanted his Belgian Malinois sheepdog, Loubo, whom he adopted in 2014, to be buried with him. “I’ve had 50 dogs in my life, but I have a particular relationship with this one,” Delon was quoted as saying. “If I die before him, I’ll ask the veterinarian for us to leave together. … I’d prefer that to knowing that he would let himself die on my tomb amid so much suffering.”
The actor’s comments sparked concern among animal rights activists and the public following his death. However, representatives from prominent animal welfare organizations have confirmed that Loubo will be allowed to live.
An official from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, a leading animal rights group founded by the famed French actress who was close to Delon, told The Associated Press that they had contacted Delon’s family after foundation members expressed concern.
“They said the question was not even raised, and they would let the dog live. They said he has a home in Douchy, and will live there,” the official stated, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the foundation’s communications policies.
The official added that Delon had been a longtime “friend of the foundation” and had helped raise money for its causes.
Guillaume Sanchez, President of France’s Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA), welcomed the family’s decision. “Our phone lines were saturated with calls by people worried about the dog,” Sanchez told the AP.
Sanchez acknowledged that Loubo “will probably be very sad to have lost the affection of Mr. Delon,” but emphasized the SPA’s stance against euthanizing animals for such reasons. “We are totally against the idea that anyone euthanizes an animal for this reason, Delon or no Delon. … Organizations that work to protect animals want society to develop awareness that an animal is an individual, separate being,” he said.
Delon’s family has not made any public comments regarding Loubo’s future.
The actor’s relationship with Loubo highlighted the deep bonds that can form between humans and their pets, as well as the ethical considerations surrounding end-of-life decisions for animals.
Delon, one of France’s most memorable leading men, had a prolific career spanning several decades. He appeared in numerous films, plays, and television productions, cementing his status as an icon of French cinema.
The controversy surrounding Loubo’s fate has reignited discussions about animal welfare and the legal and ethical implications of including pets in burial arrangements. While some jurisdictions allow for the cremated remains of pets to be buried with their owners, the practice of burying live animals is widely condemned and illegal in most countries.
As France mourns the loss of one of its greatest film stars, the decision to allow Loubo to live serves as a reminder of the evolving attitudes towards animal welfare and the recognition of pets as valued companions rather than possessions.
