If i octopuses could talk, they would probably have something to say about the dances that made them, despite themselves, co-protagonists of the most discussed TikTok videos of the year. It happened in the Casoria fish shop managed by Carmela Febbraronicknamed “the most beautiful fishmonger in Italy”, where the shellfish went from the fish counter to the social spotlight. But those sinuous movements that entertained over 260 thousand followers and generated millions of views soon turned into a media boomerang: TikTok account shut down for alleged animal cruelty.
The content published by Febbraro showed Carmela and her husband Luigi shaking live octopuses, making them “dance” to the rhythm of music to entertain the public. The molluscs were lifted, moved and subjected to unnecessary stress and suffering for the sole purpose of attracting clicks. For Enrico Rizzianimal rights activist, is not about entertainment, but about a real abuse.
“They forced poor live animals to be treated like toys for ridiculous videos,” Rizzi wrote in a Facebook post. “Those octopuses were humiliated and subjected to unnecessary torture, in defiance of their status as sentient beings protected by law.” The complaint led to an investigation and the termination of the TikTok profile for violation of community rules against animal cruelty.
The arrival of the cameras and the police
The situation escalated on May 10, when the crew de The Hyenas broke into the fish shop to check the conditions of the animals. Accompanied by Rizzi, the journalists documented what was happening behind the scenes of the videos, attracting the attention of the authorities. Luigi Febbraro, annoyed by the interference during working hours, he called the police to restore order.
“We simply showed what we sell, without ever mistreating anyone,” Luigi defended himself in a video published on the new TikTok profile created after the closure of the previous one. “Evidently we are bothering someone.”
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The law also protects octopuses
For those wondering if moving an octopus could be considered mistreatment, the answer is yes. The Italian penal code (art. 544-ter) prohibits any behavior that inflicts unnecessary suffering on animalsrecognized as sentient beings by science and law. Octopuses and other molluscs have a complex nervous system, capable of sensing pain and stress. Shaking them like puppets can cause them serious discomfort, which is why Rizzi’s report was reflected in current regulations.
“The closure of the TikTok profile is just the beginning,” Rizzi said. “I asked the Prosecutor’s Office for preventive seizure of the business, because no one should profit from the suffering of living beings.”
Meanwhile, the Febbraros did not let themselves be discouraged. They opened a new TikTok profiletrying to start from scratch, and continue to maintain their innocence. However, the fate of their fish shop could be decided by the ongoing investigation. If the charges are confirmed, they may have to legally answer for their actions.
