This Wednesday, the nine felines of tamer Mario Masson, based in Espaubourg, in the west of the Oise, were seized by justice.
A search requested by the Beauvais prosecutor's office, as part of a judicial investigation.
“We had been waiting for the green light to take care of it since August, we finally got it this morning,” explains Muriel Arnal, founder of the animal defense association One Voice.
“Three tigers had to be anesthetized” because their transport was impossible, regrets the activist.
The other six felines will remain in their trailer cage, the time to be transported to a refuge for wild animals, located in Saint-Martin-la-Plaine (Loire).
“They will be supported by the Tonga Terre d'Accueil association,” says Muriel Arnal.
An open investigation
This seizure of tigers marks a new stage in the standoff between Mario Masson and the animal protection association.
Last January, One Voice filed a complaint against him for mistreatment and improper operation of an establishment keeping non-domestic animals.
In the process, an investigation was opened.
At the place called Les Landrons, located in the town of Espaubourg, the tigers remained locked in their trailer cage, "without the possibility of frolic," said the association, supporting videos.
For his part, Mario Masson, assured to be in good standing with the legislation.
Soon in a sanctuary?
His animals - "all brothers and sisters from different litters, except the breeding male who comes from elsewhere" - were rented for clips, like that of rapper Lacrim, feature films or TV shows.
While waiting for justice to decide on the merits, the felines will now be kept away from their owner.
"We hope to be able to transfer them to a sanctuary," adds Muriel Arnal.
Contacted, Mario Masson did not wish to answer our questions.