Elodie Cappé’s fight to keep Rillette, a wild boar she raised after finding her abandoned as a piglet, has gained international support and culminated in a legal victory.
Joyful Triumph: French Court Grants Tamed Wild Boar a Second Chance
Joyful Triumph: French Court Grants Tamed Wild Boar a Second Chance
In a landmark decision, a French court has allowed a tamed wild boar to remain with its owner instead of facing euthanasia.
Elodie Cappé’s deep bond with Rillette, a wild boar she rescued and raised on her smallholding in Chaource, has captured hearts across the globe. In 2023, Cappé discovered the young boar, abandoned by her mother, and brought her home, initially facing skepticism from her husband, who thought her April Fool's Day surprise was just a prank.
After attempts to return Rillette to the wild failed—she simply ran back to Cappé—she faced a dilemma: local authorities denied her the necessary permissions for ownership of a wild animal, putting Rillette's life in jeopardy. With no sanctuaries willing to take in the large boar, Cappé was left with the grim choice of either handing Rillette to a film trainer or seeing her put down, neither of which was acceptable.
Wild boars, growing to weights between 60-100 kg, are often seen as problematic animals, capable of damaging farmland and posing risks to livestock. Consequently, culls have been authorized in various European regions due to increasing wild boar populations infiltrating urban areas. However, Rillette was different; she became part of Cappé’s family, engaging in playful activities, riding horses, and even bonding with the family dogs. "She's my best friend," Cappé expressed, emphasizing their close companionship and Rillette's playful nature.
Determined to protect her friend, Cappé appealed to the French court, drawing significant media attention and public support from around the world. This case resonated deeply, leading to comparisons with other animal rights battles, including a notable incident involving a social media-famous squirrel in the US.
The tide turned when the court in Châlons-en-Champagne ruled that local authorities must reassess Cappé's application, mandating compensation of €15,000 for her distress. The judge highlighted that permission could still be granted, despite the ban on capturing wild boars, leaving the decision up to local officials.
Cappé rejoiced upon hearing the court's decision, celebrating her victory with plans for cake—one of Rillette’s favorites—underscoring the joy of preserving her cherished companion's life. The inspirational story of Rillette symbolizes the ongoing struggle of animal rights activists in France and beyond, sparking discussions about the complexities of wild animal care and conservation.
After attempts to return Rillette to the wild failed—she simply ran back to Cappé—she faced a dilemma: local authorities denied her the necessary permissions for ownership of a wild animal, putting Rillette's life in jeopardy. With no sanctuaries willing to take in the large boar, Cappé was left with the grim choice of either handing Rillette to a film trainer or seeing her put down, neither of which was acceptable.
Wild boars, growing to weights between 60-100 kg, are often seen as problematic animals, capable of damaging farmland and posing risks to livestock. Consequently, culls have been authorized in various European regions due to increasing wild boar populations infiltrating urban areas. However, Rillette was different; she became part of Cappé’s family, engaging in playful activities, riding horses, and even bonding with the family dogs. "She's my best friend," Cappé expressed, emphasizing their close companionship and Rillette's playful nature.
Determined to protect her friend, Cappé appealed to the French court, drawing significant media attention and public support from around the world. This case resonated deeply, leading to comparisons with other animal rights battles, including a notable incident involving a social media-famous squirrel in the US.
The tide turned when the court in Châlons-en-Champagne ruled that local authorities must reassess Cappé's application, mandating compensation of €15,000 for her distress. The judge highlighted that permission could still be granted, despite the ban on capturing wild boars, leaving the decision up to local officials.
Cappé rejoiced upon hearing the court's decision, celebrating her victory with plans for cake—one of Rillette’s favorites—underscoring the joy of preserving her cherished companion's life. The inspirational story of Rillette symbolizes the ongoing struggle of animal rights activists in France and beyond, sparking discussions about the complexities of wild animal care and conservation.
