Animal rights groups mobilize to save pitbull from euthanasia
Animal rights activists campaign to prevent euthanasia of pitbull involved in fatal attack case.
Event / Security
Christophe Ellul Dog Attack Trial
Court verdict scheduled for June 11, 2025 in the case of Christophe Ellul, charged with involuntary homicide in the November 2019 death of his pregnant partner Elisa Pilarski, fatally attacked by his American Pitbull Terrier Curtis. DNA analysis confirmed the dog's responsibility. The prosecution initially requested a four-year suspended sentence and euthanasia for the dog, later requesting downgrading to simple involuntary homicide. Animal rights groups have mobilized seeking a pardon for Curtis.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 11 Jun, 09:07 UTC
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What happened
Prosecution requests simplified homicide charge instead of aggravated charge
In its closing arguments, the prosecution requested the court downgrade the charge from aggravated involuntary homicide to simple involuntary homicide, arguing that Christophe Ellul was not aware of the danger his trained dog posed and had himself suffered greatly from his partner's death.
Court trial concludes for man accused in pitbull death case
The trial of Christophe Ellul, 51, concluded in March 2025 at the Soissons correctional court for involuntary homicide in the death of his partner Elisa Pilarski. The prosecution requested four years of suspended prison sentence and euthanasia for the dog Curtis.
Online petitions gather over 100,000 signatures seeking pardon for pitbull
Multiple petitions were launched on change.org and mesopinions.com following the prosecution's closing arguments in March 2025, seeking a pardon for Curtis rather than euthanasia. By June 2025, these petitions had accumulated over 100,000 signatures.
Animal supporters plan demonstration at court on verdict day
A support rally for Curtis was scheduled to take place on June 11, 2025 starting at 11:00 AM in front of the Soissons court, organized by animal rights defenders.
Woman killed by pitbull during forest walk in Aisne, France
On November 16, 2019, Elisa Pilarski, a 29-year-old pregnant woman, was fatally attacked by an American Pitbull Terrier named Curtis while walking in a forest southwest of Soissons in the Aisne department. The dog inflicted approximately 50 severe bite wounds on Pilarski, who had called for help before her death. Her partner Christophe Ellul discovered her body.
Animal protection organizations offer to rehome pitbull to prevent euthanasia
The animal protection associations 'Les amis de Sam' and 'AVA - Agir pour la vie animale' proposed to take custody of Curtis to prevent his euthanasia, arguing he could be rehabilitated and cease to be dangerous.
DNA analysis confirms pitbull as sole cause of fatal attack
DNA analysis and other forensic investigations conclusively determined that Curtis, the American Pitbull Terrier, was solely responsible for Elisa Pilarski's death. The defendant's initial theory that hunting dogs were involved was ruled out by the investigation.
Court verdict scheduled in pitbull death case
The Soissons correctional court is scheduled to render its verdict on June 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the case of Christophe Ellul, who is accused of involuntary homicide in the death of his pregnant partner Elisa Pilarski by his American Pitbull Terrier.
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DNA evidence confirms pitbull as sole cause of fatal attack
DNA evidence confirmed pitbull as sole cause of fatal attack during forest walk.