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The animal has disappeared during the night (Monday to Tuesday) but no signs of forced entry have been found on the outside entrances or enclosures of the zoo of Maubeuge. Only the security of the animal’s enclosure had been forced.

It had been caught last Wednesday by a fire brigade vet using a ‘hypodermic gun’ to make the animal fall asleep.

The panther, aged between 5-6 months, was supposed to go to a refuge for mistreated animals this Wednesday.

Its owner has been identified by the police but has not yet been arrested. He risks a year’s imprisonment and a fine of €15,000.