Dear @beucccia
Although not built in to Lay Theme you could do this via Custom Coding.
The .gif could still be called from the media Library via URL ( src=url )
I cant custom code it for you sorry but hopefully these links may help you in the right direction, also if any others on the forum wish to speak up 🌝
https://sirv.com/help/articles/hover-change-image/#:~:text=To swap an image when,"rollover" image becomes opaque.
https://www.tutorialrepublic.com/faq/how-to-change-image-on-hover-with-css.php
Also this thread may help with understand how to call the image from the media library:
http://laythemeforum.com:4567/topic/6087/imagehover-on-element-grid-lightbox-on-carousel
There was also a user who attempted this with a plugin:
http://laythemeforum.com:4567/topic/6174/help-plugin-swap-images-on-hover-js
Hope this helps @beucccia & have a wonderful day
Richard