International outcry erupted after authorities threatened to split up the pair or even kill the animal, leading to a court decision.
As of April 2023, “Rillette” has developed into a mature sow with a coarse brown coat, roaming freely on the farm, often snuggling with both the horses and dogs, and cherishing bonding time with her owners.
After initial efforts to release the boar back into the wild proved unsuccessful, Ms. Cappe, a riding stable owner in Chaource, had Rillette spayed, vaccinated, and given a safe enclosure. Next, she submitted multiple requests to the regional authorities for permission to keep the exotic animal as a non-domesticated pet.
The requests for permission were denied, with local officials warning that they might take the animal by force or put it down, and Cappe facing the possibility of arrest and a fine of up to £126,000 ($171,000) for capturing or detaining a wild animal.
He pleaded that Rillette be allowed to stay on the farm.
An open letter from an actor and animal rights advocate, published in December, read: “Please, I beg that Rillette be spared. Who can justify putting to death this innocent animal? It is her right to live, and it is our duty to protect her. Euthanasia is a vicious act that goes against the law of the land.”
Nearly 200,000 people worldwide signed a petition to save the Rillette. The petition stated, “This lovable boar is incredibly close to humans and should be kept in an environment that closely mimics its natural setting. Although Mrs Cappé is making every effort to maintain these conditions, without more support, the future of our wild boar is uncertain.”
A French administrative tribunal has handed down a ruling on Thursday, instructing the regional government to re-evaluate the decision to keep the animal. The tribunal has also ordered the state to compensate the owner of the hog €1,500 in damages.
This is a significant win, the court thoroughly dismissed the prefecture’s claims. Having the media on our side was crucial, and I plan to contribute the compensation paid to a charitable cause.
Ms. Cappe stated that Rillette, whose name playfully derived from a local dish involving shredded pork, remained unaffected by the news.
“She’s just playing around, not really paying attention,” Ms. Cappe said. “This child is meant to be with us.”
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