Ten tigers rescued from a lorry: the Court of Appeal in Amiens upholds landmark conviction

Ten tigers rescued from a life of suffering

In 2019, we discovered ten tigers in the courtyard of an abandoned building, crammed into a lorry from which they were only taken out for a few rare appearances in shows. To rescue them from this hell, we had to prove that they were permanently locked up in the lorry, so we investigated relentlessly for over a year, uncovering serious and repeated offences.
In December 2020, after reviewing our footage, the authorities ordered the largest seizure of tigers in Europe. We were on site to free the ten captives and transfer them to our partner sanctuary, Tonga Terre d’Accueil, where they could finally receive the proper care and discover the pleasure of walking and feeling the grass under their paws. Two years later, their trainer Mario Masson was heavily sentenced in the first instance. For the mistreatment of the big cats over many years, he was fined, had the animals confiscated and was banned from working with animals for two years. We immediately welcomed this necessary decision.

Mario Masson found guilty: a heavier sentence handed down by the Court of
Appeal

Despite overwhelming evidence, the notorious trafficker of baby felines and torturer of Rani, Tim, Leo, Tara, Yma, Oona, Dian, Ashley, Lily and Douglas appealed. On 6 October 2025, we were again face to face with him in the Court of Appeal in Amiens to once again speak out on behalf of his victims. On Wednesday 28 January, the judges ruled in our favour once again. The Court confirmed the permanent confiscation of the tigers and the conviction of the trainer who now, instead of a €5,000 fine, has been given a 12-month suspended prison sentence and a ban from working with animals for two years.

This decision sends a strong message: animals exploited by circuses are not mere puppets that circus performers can deprive of food or keep locked up in trailers day and night. Wherever trainers abuse animals, we will be there, ready to take action with the authorities.

We welcome the appeal conviction of Mario Masson on Wednesday 28 January. The tigers he tortured for years are finally out of danger. For all those who are waiting to be freed from their chains, we remain fully mobilised. Join us in calling for an end to the exploitation of animals in circuses, by signing our petition.
Ten tigers rescued from a lorry: the Court of Appeal in Amiens upholds a landmark conviction

Mario Masson, the trainer of the ten tigers rescued by One Voice in 2020.