The fate of Toto, a wild boar in Pas-de-Calais, France, has sparked a heated debate as authorities consider euthanasia due to suspicions of carrying a disease.
9000 Signatures
According to L'independent Toto was adopted by the Bienvenu family after being injured during a hunt in autumn 2023, but legal issues arose when the gendarmerie seized the animal for being kept illegally.
The controversy deepened when a blood test suggested Toto might be positive for Aujeszky's disease, a viral illness known as "pseudo-rabies" that primarily affects pigs but poses no threat to humans.
Despite a conflicting second test showing Toto as disease-free, the Douai Court of Appeal ruled for euthanasia, igniting public outcry and prompting a petition with over 9,000 signatures.
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A Last Resort
Advocates argue that euthanasia should be a last resort, not a primary solution, echoing sentiments from animal welfare groups like Vakita. Charleville-Mézières proposed relocating Toto to a fenced animal park, advocating for a humane approach amidst uncertainties about Toto's health status.
"The situation is perplexing," remarked the town's mayor on France 3, questioning the rushed decision given conflicting test results and the disease's mortality rate. Legal appeals are underway, with Toto's lawyer considering a plea for presidential clemency, highlighting the emotional and legal complexities surrounding the case.
