Overview
- The tribunal correctionnel de Soissons on Thursday convicted Christophe Ellul of involuntary homicide and sentenced him to four years in prison suspended pending enforcement.
- Judges ordered the euthanasia of Curtis, the pitbull at the center of the case, and assigned the cost of putting the animal to death to Ellul.
- Forensic veterinary, genetic, and cynotechnical experts concluded that Curtis's DNA and bite marks on Elisa Pilarski's body matched the wounds and that hunting hounds were excluded from causing the attack.
- The court requalified charges to simple involuntary homicide by rejecting three aggravating circumstances tied to illegal importation, mordant-style training, and lack of precaution, and it also ordered civil damages to Pilarski's family.
- Large petitions and animal-protection groups offered to rehome or try to re-educate Curtis but signalled they would press efforts if an appeal suspends the euthanasia and keeps the dog in judicial custody.