Petition to save dog accused of killing French woman reaches 30,000 signatures
Public prosecutor recommends Curtis be euthanised to avoid further incidents
A petition to save a dog suspected of killing a French woman from being euthanised has reached more than 30,000 signatures online.
A preliminary hearing last week saw the Aisne public prosecutor recommend the dog’s owner, Christophe Ellul, be sentenced to four years imprisonment for the involuntary manslaughter of his then-girlfriend Elisa Pilarski in 2019.
Six months pregnant, Ms Pilarski was discovered covered in bite marks in an Aisne forest, after taking Mr Ellul’s dog ‘Curtis’ for a walk.
Curtis was two years old at the time, but had already won ‘biting competitions’ with experts believing Mr Ellul had trained the dog to bite.
Mr Ellul had reportedly given false information about the dog’s breed to police, claiming it was a patterdale / whippet mix and not an American Pit bull terrier, a breed strictly controlled in France for which Mr Ellul did not have authorisation to import or keep.
As part of the trial, the public prosecutor also recommended Curtis, now eight, be euthanised to avoid any further incidents.
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Granting Curtis a pardon does not mean ignoring the facts
In response, an online petition asking for Curtis to be pardoned was launched which by March 9 had received more than 31,000 signatures.
Titled ‘Grâce pour Curtis’ (a pardon for Curtis), it has become immediately popular.
“Curtis is now eight and a half years old. When he was placed in custody, he was only two. Since that day, he has lived locked up for over six years, deprived of his freedom and awaiting a decision that could cost him his life,” the petition states.
“Granting Curtis a pardon does not mean ignoring the facts.”
“A serious, responsible, and safe alternative,” is possible, with animal rights groups offering to take Curtis in.
“The AVA (Act for Animal Life) association, recognised for its commitment and expertise in animal protection, has officially offered to take Curtis in for life at its secure sanctuary.”
“This sanctuary has specially adapted facilities for animals requiring special care; experienced professional teams; and strict protocols guaranteeing the safety of the public, staff, and the animal.”
Hundreds of comments supporting Curtis have been left on the page, many providing support for a dog they believe was mistreated by both its owner and authorities.
Comments point to a moral opposition to euthanasia, seeing it as cruel.
Some side with the arguments of Mr Ellul who maintains Ms Pilarski was bitten by dogs taking part in a hunt in the forest despite reports to the contrary.
A decision by the court is expected on June 11.
