New intervention by the authorities against the Circus Lidia Togni in Naplesalready at the center of the controversies for the escape and death of a camel, which took place a few days ago.
A joint control between the Carabinieri of the Cites nucleusThe ASL Napoli veterinary service 1 Center and the Criuv (Regional Reference Center for Veterinary Urban Hygiene) led to the seizure of two Mississippi alligators and a reticulated pythonanimals whose detention is prohibited by current legislation.
Animals illegally acquired
The operation took place in application of the Legislative Decree 135/2022which prohibits circuses and faunal exhibitions of acquiring or reproducing animals considered dangerous for public safety. According to the investigations, The reptiles had been purchased in 2023 and 2024, in open violation of the ban introduced in 2022.
The owner of the circus was reported, while the python was temporarily entrusted to the Naples zoo. The two alligators, on the other hand, remain in the custody of the circus waiting for a structure suitable to host them.
This episode shows, once again, how urgent and necessary it is overcome the use of animals in circus shows. Not only for their intrinsic suffering, but also for the risk of violations of the existing regulations – he said Giulia Giambalvoexotic animal area Lav – Minister Giuli has the opportunity to proceed with The implementation of the delegation law scheduled for August 2025which should finally sanction the definitive disposal of the animals from circles. In addition, it is essential to intensify the control activities to protect animals, often forced to live in conditions not suitable for their nature, and to ensure that those who violate the laws do not remain unpunished.
A circus already in the spotlight
Attention to the Togni Circus increased after the episode of the camel escape, A five -month puppy escaped from the circus on January 31 in the Fuorigrotta district. The animal had been recovered after being sighted on the street, but died the following day in his fence. The director of the circus, Vinicio Tognifiled a complaint, claiming that the fence had been opened by some boys to whom free access to the show had been denied.
The judiciary has opened an investigation to establish the causes of death e Check any responsibilities from the circus in the management of the animal.
Parliamentary question and possible developments
The parliamentary intergroup for animal rights, led by the honorable Michela Vittoria Brambillapresented a question to the Minister of Culture, asking for clarifications on the checks and measures that will be adopted to prevent further violations of current legislation.
The kidnapping of animals at the Circus Togni represents yet another sign of a systemic problem that requires a definitive legislative intervention. Meanwhile, the spotlights remain on the circus and the management of animals, Waiting for new decisions of the competent authorities.
