Elodie Capet

The fate facing Rillette was not something her owner would countenance, either the chop in the form of euthanasia or being given to a woman who trains animals for films. Elodie Capet had found the young boar on her horse-breeding smallholding in central France nearly two years ago. She's since raised her into the substantial, bristly beast she is today.

Miss Capet told the BBC she'd tried to release her back into the forest, but the boar came running back. She's happy here in nature, Miss Capet said, describing Rilette, who she cuddles and strokes, as her best friend.

The case has gained worldwide attention and comparisons with one in the United States last year in which a tame squirrel named Peanut that had had a big following on social media was put down by the authorities. Back in France, the animal rights activist and film star Brigitte Bardot joined the campaign to save Rilette.

A court has now ruled that the authority's original decision must be re-examined. Miss Capet described her reaction.

Cake, she explains, along with apples, are one of her pet's favourite foods. Distinctly vegetarian, which is good. The name Miss Capet gave the boar is a reference to a local coarse meat pâté. It's led to jokes that roulette won't now be turned into a terrine. But the boar remains as happy as a pig.

Well, she seems to respond brilliantly to her name, Miss Capet said, remarking that she listens better than my dogs.