Story perspectives

Couple Fined for Keeping Black Panther in Apartment

9/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A couple in northern France received suspended sentences for illegally keeping a black panther named Louise in their apartment.
Louise was spotted roaming rooftops in Armentières in September 2019, causing public concern.
Authorities sedated and recaptured her, later transferring her to Maubeuge Zoo, where she was briefly stolen.
The man received an 18-month suspended sentence and a €10,000 fine; the woman received a four-month suspended sentence.
Now renamed Akilla, the panther lives at a sanctuary in the Netherlands and is healthy and playful.

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Story summary

A couple in northern France received suspended sentences for illegally keeping a black panther named Louise in their apartment.
Louise was spotted roaming rooftops in Armentières in September 2019, causing public concern.
Authorities sedated and recaptured her, later transferring her to Maubeuge Zoo, where she was briefly stolen.
The man received an 18-month suspended sentence and a €10,000 fine; the woman received a four-month suspended sentence.
Now renamed Akilla, the panther lives at a sanctuary in the Netherlands and is healthy and playful.