“Euthanized for Too Many Cuddles?” French Shelter Dog Smoke Faces Death Sentence Despite Celebrity Support

Smoke’s Tragic Backstory and Behavioral Evaluation

Found tied to a post at Nice airport, Smoke arrived at the SPA refuge in Flayosc, where his troubled past began to surface. Despite initial attempts at adoption in early 2024, he was returned three months later after exhibiting aggressive behavior, particularly around food and territory—sometimes biting and exhibiting signs reminiscent of somnambulism or epilepsy.

Smoke has allegedly bitten multiple people: a volunteer in 2023, adoptive family members twice, and recently a doctor‑volunteer who was playing with him in his box—despite calmative medication. Following a behavioral evaluation resulting in the highest possible risk rating (4/4), the SPA commission recommended euthanasia as a last resort.

Volunteers Suspended, Mobilization Intensifies

A collective of volunteers, who had grown attached to Smoke, organized daily vigils at the refuge to prevent his transfer to the vet for euthanasia. Many have since been suspended by the SPA for “risk of disturbance to the shelter’s operations” after staging peaceful demonstrations and calling for transparency.

Protesters—including reality TV personalities—clamored with slogans like “Where is Smoke? Return Smoke!” and “No to Smoke’s euthanasia!” A wealthy supporter even declared, “If Smoke is euthanized, I’ll cancel my will,” threatening to revoke her planned legacy for animal welfare.

Lack of Medical Evaluation & Calls for Second Opinions

Advocates are demanding neurological testing—such as a CT scan or MRI—to rule out epilepsy or other disorders before considering such a permanent decision. To date, no imaging has been performed. Smoke has reportedly been placed under medication for alleged epilepsy for just three weeks, raising questions over whether more time and medical insight could alter his prognosis.

SPA’s Firm Yet Contested Stance

SPA president Jacques‑Charles Fombonne defends the commission’s verdict, asserting that a multidisciplinary panel reviewed videos, behavioral evaluations, and expert input before voting for euthanasia. He acknowledged the seriousness of the decision but emphasized that placing Smoke in a home—or even another shelter—poses too high a risk. He invoked the “what if” scenario: worse, if Smoke bit a vulnerable child.

Fombonne further criticized the protesters for risking the shelter's integrity and image, even suggesting they might pursue legal action if volunteers attempt unauthorized interventions.

Legal Intervention and National Debate

Legal proceedings have now been initiated. A tribunal in Draguignan has been petitioned with an urgent injunction (“référé d’heure à heure”) to halt the euthanasia. The judge is expected to deliberate on Smoke’s fate—with a decision due within six months.

Meanwhile, activism continues to swell online, with hashtags like #JeSuisSmoke and #StopEuthanasie prevailing across platforms. Dozens of smaller animal-welfare associations are mobilizing in solidarity, criticizing the SPA’s methods and calling for systemic reforms in evaluating dogs labeled as “dangerous.”

A Symbolic Battle Over Animal Welfare Protocols

Smoke’s case has ignited a broader conversation about shelter practices and the evaluation of dogs deemed dangerous. A petition on MesOpinions advocates for legal reforms—like requiring comprehensive medical diagnostics and video-documented assessments before euthanasia decisions are finalized.

For many, Smoke symbolizes a flawed system where behavioral issues—potentially rooted in treatable medical conditions—are judged without full investigation.