Decision reflecting modern sensibilities, Alain Delon’s family has chosen not to honor the late French film star’s unusual final request. Delon, who passed away at 88, had expressed a wish to have his Belgian Malinois, Loubo, euthanized and buried alongside him. However, his family and animal rights organizations have firmly rejected this request.
The news was confirmed earlier this week by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, a prominent French animal welfare organization. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) and translated by The Guardian, the Foundation announced that Loubo will not be put down but will continue to live at Delon’s residence under the care of his family.
Delon’s wish was revealed in a 2018 interview with Paris Match, where he described Loubo as “my end of life dog” and “a special companion” who had a unique bond with him. “If I die before him, I’ll ask the vet to take us away together,” Delon had said. He expressed his desire to have Loubo euthanized in his arms rather than letting the dog suffer alone after his passing.
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Despite Delon’s heartfelt wish, animal rights groups have strongly opposed the idea. France’s Society for the Protection of Animals, among others, voiced concerns for Loubo’s well-being and criticized the request as inconsistent with contemporary views on animal welfare.
Delon’s family has decided to respect Loubo’s life and well-being, choosing instead to honor Delon’s memory in ways that reflect current ethical standards and practices. As of now, Loubo will remain in the care of Delon’s family, continuing to live in the home that once belonged to the celebrated actor.
The decision highlights a shift towards more compassionate and practical approaches to end-of-life wishes for pets, aligning with modern attitudes towards animal care and respect.
