Key Takeaways:

• Rillette, a wild boar adopted by Elodie Cappe, was threatened with euthanasia before a French court ruling allowed her to remain with her owner.
• The case ignited widespread protests and support from animal rights activists, including Brigitte Bardot.
• The court ordered the prefecture to reconsider Cappe's request for authorization to keep Rillette and awarded her €1,500 in damages.

In a landmark decision, a French court has ruled that Rillette, an adopted wild boar, can stay with her owner, Elodie Cappe, who operates a horse farm in Chaource, France. The ruling comes after authorities threatened to remove Rillette and even considered euthanasia, sparking significant public outrage and protests from animal rights advocates. Rillette was found as a piglet near rubbish bins in April 2023 and has since become a beloved member of the farm, where she interacts joyfully with the horses and dogs.

Initially, attempts to release Rillette back into the wild were unsuccessful, prompting Cappe to take measures to care for the boar, which included sterilization and vaccination. Despite these efforts, local authorities rejected her applications for legal permission to keep Rillette, and indicated potential confiscation or euthanasia might follow.

The controversy gained momentum, culminating in demonstrations and a petition advocating for Rillette's right to stay with Cappe. Animal rights activists rallied support, with celebrity endorsements like that from Brigitte Bardot, who expressed her disapproval of the proposed euthanasia measures. Cappe reflected on the emotional bond she shares with Rillette, describing their relationship as one of deep affection.

On January 16, the Châlons-en-Champagne administrative tribunal ruled in favor of Cappe, directing the prefecture to reconsider her application while awarding her €1,500 for damages. This outcome has been celebrated as a significant victory, attributing part of its success to media coverage that galvanized public support.

Cappe noted Rillette remains unaffected by the controversy, stating, "She is just playing, she does not care. She belongs with us." For further details, you can read the original reports from Reuters and The Guardian.