A late actor requested for his dog to be put down and buried with him but his family denied the wish.
Alian Delon was a French actor, producer, screenwriter, singer, and businessman considered a cinematic leading man of the 20th century and an international s** symbol.
He died in August 2024 at age 88, with his family releasing a statement that read: “Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, and (his dog) Loubo are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father. He passed away peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family.”
While many took to social media and paid tribute to the legendary actor, others shared their disapproval of his final request.
Delon wished for his 10-year-old dog to be buried by his side.
The French actor was a devoted animal lover throughout life but had an especially strong bond with Loubo, his Belgian Malinois.
In a 2018 interview with Paper Match, he was quoted as saying (per the BBC): “I’ve had 50 dogs in my life, but I have a special relationship with this one.”
He added: “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 would rather that than knowing that he would let himself die on my grave with so much suffering.”
No law in France prohibits pet owners from putting down their pets.
It’s believed at least 35 of Delon’s dogs have been buried in the chapel of his cemetery on the grounds of his home, La Brûlerie.
Following Delon’s death, animal welfare organizations were concerned at the prospect of the healthy animal being put down.
The SPA, a French association that fights against animal cruelty and abandoning, said it would be ‘happy to take his dog and find it a family.’
SPA President Guillaume Sanchez told The Associated Press: “Our phone lines were saturated.”
When the alarm about Loubo’s fate was raised, an official for the Brigitte Bardot Foundation – a prominent animal rights group – contacted Delon’s family.
The official said: “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.”
They added that Delon was a longtime ‘friend of the foundation’ and had helped raise money for its cause.
