The Municipality of Genoa has denied authorization to host Paolo Orfei’s Africa circus, which was supposed to stop in the city between 12 and 16 February. A decision that marks a new step in the path of many local administrations towards overcoming the use of animals in circuses, which is increasingly contested by public opinion and animal rights associations.
Councilor Francesca Ghio, delegate for animal protection, announced the lack of green light and also presented a motion to urge the Government to implement Delegation Law 106 of 2022, the law which provides for the disposal of animals from circuses and traveling shows. According to LAV, the Municipality examined the request carefully, applying increasingly rigorous criteria in evaluating the housing conditions.
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The consensus of the Italians and the push of the territories
The Genoese decision fits into a broader framework. The data speaks clearly: over 76% of Italians declare themselves against the use of animals in circuses and almost 80% are in favor of allocating public funds only to shows without animals. An orientation that pushed Regions and Municipalities to approve motions and agendas to ask the Ministry of Culture to issue the implementing decree required by law.
According to the LAV, the conditions in which animals are kept in circuses do not respect their ethological needs. Small spaces, unnatural training, constant movements, noise and constant contact with the public can cause physical and psychological stress. Elements that make it increasingly difficult to justify this practice in light of current scientific knowledge on animal welfare.
Italy’s delay compared to Europe
Despite the growing pressure from citizens and local institutions, Italy remains behind. Last June, yet another extension arrived, which moves the issuing of the implementing decree of Law 106/2022 to 31 December 2026. A choice that contrasts with what has happened in over 50 countries, where the ban on animals in circuses is already a reality.
For LAV, the message coming from Genoa is clear: change is already taking place in the territories. Now the ball passes to the Minister of Culture Giuli, called to transform an existing law into a concrete provision. Because, as the association underlines, animals can no longer wait.
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