Appeal hearing in Rouen on 26 March for ‘Caresse de Tigre’ who trafficked wildlife with Masson
One of the people involved in wildlife trafficking with trainer Mario Masson is none other than the ‘Caresse de Tigre’ breeder, for whom our case was rejected in the first instance. We refuse for such acts, uncovered by AVES France and Four Paws, to be taken lightly and for the associations involved in these subjects to be dismissed. On 26 March at 9:15am, we will be at the Rouen court of appeal to contest this decision.
Photo credit : AVES France / Four Paws
Updated 30 January 11:15am
Initially set for 30 January 2024, the hearing was deferred to 26 March 2024 at 9:15am at the request of Caresse de Tigre’s lawyer.
Uncovered in 2019 by the AVES France and Four Paws investigation, the so-called rescue centre for captive wild animals in Seine-Maritime was in fact a breeding facility welcoming the public in without authorisation or even the slightest notion of safety.
And it was the little felines that resulted from this breeding that the bosses based their business on. For 50 euros for ten minutes of playing with the lion cubs, they had found the goose that laid the golden eggs! This handling, which is extremely stressful for the baby animals, is just as dangerous for them as it is for humans.
But for the couple in charge, it does not matter if visitors are regularly bitten or scratched: the animals will quite naturally be punished, like Nala the lioness who was beaten in front of the public for not being docile. Retired circus performers think they can do whatever they like…
Close links with trainer Mario Masson
If these wild animals are not condemned to live their entire lives in this initial place of exploitation, it is only to be shamelessly sold to other circus performers, under whose whip their ordeal continues. Among the many names that have emerged from this lucrative trafficking is Mario Masson, the trainer who was found guilty in 2022 after our almost two-year investigation and the rescue of ten tigers who were locked in the circus trailer day and night.
Wildlife trafficking is still and will always be a no!
The irony: although the twelve animals behind bars at the property in Normandy have since been placed under the responsibility of legal authorities, the 2023 conviction for illegal exploitation nevertheless saw it fit to entrust their care to their torturers themselves! Not only did the Rouen magistrates’ court rule the suspended fines sufficient, but they also declared our participation as a civil party alongside AVES France and the Robin des Bois Association inadmissible. An incomprehensible decision given our mission and our fights.
Today, wildlife trafficking is still on the podium for international trade, along with weapons and drugs. In 2023, we have not given in at all to this illegal trade carried out off the backs of animals and have succeeded in getting the ministerial decree that facilitates it cancelled by the State Council. Still this year, we are demanding that this subject be treated seriously and that associations be allowed to work on this colossal project.
On 26 March at 9:15am, we will be at the Rouen court of appeal to have our legitimacy recognised in the case involving ‘Caresse de Tigre’. Hand in hand with other associations, we will assert our right to defend the lions and tigers being exploited so that animals will finally stop being treated like common merchandise.